Radiance

Being Grounded: in Scripture

2012-01-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:3-5

The healthy love and compassion of Jesus Christ always amazes me! In so many of our encounters with the hurts of other human beings, it’s easy to begin to think in terms of manipulation instead of healthy Christ-like love. We often try to help someone quickly process their grief, but the depth of their hurt or the uniqueness of their personality has its own timetable. We hastily want to cheer a child or discouraged friend. All the while, however, we may be acting less out of genuine Christ-like compassion and more out of our need to stand back from the discomfort when we feel when we draw close to someone who is really struggling. This attitude may cause those we are trying to help put up defenses and actually drive away those who are trying to help.

We may fall into the illusion that we own people, that we can use them, that we have a right to manage their feelings. By offering premature advice on how to cope, by prodding with our faith rather than creating an atmosphere of trust and growth, we say much about our need for easy closure. When we barge in with such consolation, we may sometimes be making hurting souls into objects of projects.

In fact, a possessive approach to relationships creates many of our own disappointments; people rarely respond well to our efforts to manage their lives or orchestrate their response to their pains. We find relationships bending or even breaking under the weight of the expectations we place on them in our discomfort with another’s suffering. We can then end up even more alone―walled up within our disappointments or sadness.

When we treat people the way Jesus did, bridges are built and windows are opened; and we enjoy the relationship whether it is moving on our timetable or not. I am discovering that being grounded in the scripture, knowing that the Holy Spirit does the work and not me, gives me so much more patience, joy and discovery in my relationships with a variety of wonderful human beings.

For some reason, God has gifted our church for reaching out to a diversity of people to share the life-changing love of Christ. Imagine if we continue to grow in relating to everyone in our lives with the wisdom and gentle strength of Jesus? I relish every moment God gives me to live and grow in this holy endeavor.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

The Secret: A Perpetual Inner Fire

2012-01-13T16:17:00.001-08:00

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Do you have deep feelings of insecurity that are hidden carefully in your life? Or do you feel that you alone are plagued with a weakness of some kind? I have good news for you- - - you’re not alone! These are feelings that many, many people wrestle with. Sometimes it’s hidden behind the cocky blustering of a person who seems egocentric, but in fact is covering up for feelings of being unloved or unaccepted. Other times feelings of inferiority are manifest by someone who instead - pulls back and trims their sails- - - they don’t want to expose their heart out of fear of being hurt. Surprisingly this shy person is feeling the same deep personal feelings as the blustering extrovert- - - “Who am I?” And- - - “If people ‘really’ knew me would they love and accept me?”

Geneticists tell us that the whole human family, from every race, can be traced back to a single mother whom they reluctantly call Eve. Their point is- - - we are all cut out of the same mold. So the good news I have for you is that you are not alone in your deepest darkest feelings. We have many of the same fears, temptations and creative ideas as a person sitting in prison or a person receiving a Nobel Prize for being a genius in some field. Because according to the Scriptures (and to science) we are all cut out of the same mold! How many of you have had a great idea that you never acted on only to find out later that someone else had the same idea and seized the opportunity?

When I was a youth pastor, many years ago, I enjoyed helping teenagers who were wrestling with an inferiority complex. When I saw a young person that felt like they had nothing to offer- - - I just loved getting to know them and making a lifelong friend. This was the process I used:

I prayed for them every day thanking God for their life until I was just bursting with enthusiasm for their God-given potential.
I used every opportunity to let them know how much I cared for them and encouraged them to wholeheartedly pursue God’s plan for their life. This included writing letters to them, talking to them on the phone, using them in sermons as an illustration of the good things God was doing, and being present at their special events (games, concerts, skateboarding competitions, etc.).
I tried to make friends with their friends and influence them with the excitement that God gave me for their life. That meant their parents, brothers and sisters, and friends at school.
I tried to seize every opportunity of challenge to be there for them- - - when they received a bad report card or made a mistake. Wow! This was my God-inspired moment to let them know all that I had been praying for them about.

I had such enthusiasm for this because most of the time growing up I myself was an arrogant jerk as I remember it (my mom says otherwise, but she doesn’t know everything I did during my teenage years. I’m trying to break it to her slowly.) I found Christ in a new, fresh way at seventeen- - - and something really happened. I had a “Scrooge” experience. I realized that I still had time to turn around all that I had done wrong if I would only let God work through my life. I envisioned people really excited about Philippians 4:13 so they could quote Paul, but mean it for themselves.

Well, that was a long time ago but I truly loved the job of being a youth pastor. It’s really the job that we all have as followers of Christ- - - to be so excited about what God is doing in our lives that it overflows and we pray for it to happen in the lives of others. Let’s do that this week!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Say "Yes" to God

2012-01-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (NIV)

Yes!!! There are so many people who are fearful of the year 2012- - - television and movies are full of doomsday scenarios. They tell us that the sale of guns and ammunition is at an all-time high, about the difficult economy and our world’s need for a Christian revival all can make people fearful in almost every aspect of their lives. Many people think they have to do it all on their own- - - make their marriage work, raise their children, manage economic storms, withstand anxiety- - - all by themselves. When in reality, we simply need to say “yes” to Jesus Christ. In fact, he is the divine “yes” or “amen” to our lives. Yes to living our lives under his purposes. Yes, to managing our finances his way. Yes, to rebuilding our relationships on scriptural principles. Yes, God Yes!!!

I am sharing a series on how to find the gift that God has given you and how to use it in cooperation with an army of positive Christians called the church. In every hardship, setback and tragedy is a gift from God that is branded into your life and you will be a miserable self-absorbed person unless you learn about teamwork and how to say “yes” to God with your gift. Have you ever seen a self-absorbed person who is really happy? Have you ever met a person walking under the Spirit’s leadership whose life is full of abundant generosity and is miserable? It is time to say “yes” to God in so many areas of our lives. I dare you to come to church for four weeks straight- - - not hit and miss- - - and see if God does not radically bless and change your life! There will be pastors waiting after every service to answer your questions about how to discover your spiritual gifts and how you can use them as a team with the army of positive people called Washington Cathedral. We literally cannot have too many gifted people. Everyone’s leadership skills are needed (if we can work together), and the strength, roots and impact of our lives can expand exponentially if we really begin to say “yes” to God. Yes God- - - use me, hurts and all. Make me a blessing. Let me be a part of the team. Yes God, we will move forward and not waste a minute of 2012 in fear, bitterness and regret.

I can see that we have been getting ready for this moment at Washington Cathedral for 27 years. How long have you been waiting to say “yes” to God?

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Words of Encouragement: An Investment Worth Making!

2011-12-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

I recently received a facebook message from someone who was in my youth group as a young man. I was so encouraged and uplifted by his words I decided to share them with you:

Dear Tim,

35 plus years ago you ministered through football (and many other avenues of activities) to a young boy who did not understand this world. After many times in jail and years of drug and alcohol addictions, your words of encouragement (and I am sure many prayers) have finally found a home in this man’s heart.

I have looked for you many times and tonight God placed your face on facebook. My heartfelt thanks to you and Jackie for believing enough in us young boys to spend time (and lots of energy) on us. This man is very thankful and grateful to you! I am a Pastor now for about ten years. I have worked with youth and adults and Counseled for over 5 years at Teen Challenge.
I currently have been pastoring and working with Native Americans here on the Standing Rock Reservation, North Dakota, for the past 2 1/2 years. Tim, thank you, may God richly bless you as you continue to serve Him. I have never forgotten your investment.

Phil Wolverton

You never know how God will use your heartfelt prayers and words of encouragement. I pray that you are an encouragement to your family and friends and that you receive God’s encouragement for your own life.

Happy New Year!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

A Christmas Thank You

2011-12-21T12:34:00.000-08:00

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Merry Christmas! I pray that you are experiencing the beauty of this Christmas Season! What wonderful things are happening this year!! Our Santa Conspiracy was a wonderful time of spreading the joy of Christmas with those in the community that need it most. Each year I experience incredible joy when we come together as a church family and reach out to the community with no expectation of return!

I want to give a special thank you to the entire church body who donated over 2,000 bears; and the 300 Santa’s, Mrs. Clause’s, Elves and helpers who participated in the Santa Conspiracy this year!

We received this touching letter of thanks from the UW Medical Center. It was so inspiring I wanted to share it with you all:

Dear Kind People at Washington Cathedral,

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Reverend Tim White, Dan Edwards, Mary Loeser and Marcia McLaughlin for visiting our oncology patients this past Sunday. Amazingly we covered tall three oncology units and even made it to in-patient rehab and antepartum. Wow! What a feat! And thank you to Diane Lutterloh for making arrangements and working with me on the details.

Christmas is a difficult time to be in the hospital. It’s amazing what a visit from Santa can do to lift spirits, no matter what tradition you follow! The bears are very special - and who doesn’t need a cuddly bear to help them feel better?! Thank you to all the members of your congregation who donated and collected them.

I think Santa brings out the child in all of us, and I saw patients’ and staff members’ faces light up as Santa entered units and rooms, bringing the spirit of the holidays and brightening a gray afternoon. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and all the time and effort that went into making this happen.

May you all enjoy a blessed and happy Christmas season.

Gratefully,

Irene Hopkins
Program Coordinator, Volunteer Services
UW Medical Center

I pray that you have a very Merry Christmas and I hope to see you at one of our Christmas Services:

Christmas Bursts Into Beauty: Friday 12/23 @ 7pm and Saturday 12/24 @ 6pm & 8pm (Live nativity, ballet dancer and dancing cherubs, beautiful harp music, Christmas carols, live Christmas animal petting zoo, cookies and cider, and Frosty & Rudolph will greet you at the door!)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Saturday 12/24 @ 11:30pm (Pastor Linda will be giving a special Christmas Eve message).

And one service on Christmas Day: Sunday 12/25 @ 11am (Pastor Becca McCary will be sharing a Christmas message to inspire you). Call the church office to reserve your complimentary tickets today 425.869.5433.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

New Christmas memories that will bless for generations!

2011-12-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn said, “Literature is the memory of peoples; it transmits from one generation to the next the irrefutable experiences of men. It preserves and enlivens the flame of a history immune to all deformation, far from every lie.” (Nobel Prize Lecture, 1970) Literature may not have all the answers to our questions, but without it we would have very little history to question.

Solzhenitsyn was born in Kislovadsk in 1918. He lived through the Marxist Lennist revolution in Russia and he was imprisoned for remarks he made against Stalin. He witnessed terrible evil and his literature is part of the witness of history which Stalinist tried to snuff out. He had been fighting in World War 2, had been decorated for heroism twice, attained the rank of captain and he spent eight years in prison for his anti-Stalinist remarks. On his relief he was kept in exile until 1956. He was expelled from the writers union and banned from Russia. In the West his literature faced a backlash of disbelief. Communists considered his literature a betrayal. It was only in his almost unbelievable story that the truth was contained. Toward the end of his life he embraced Christianity and demanded a civilization founded on love, compassion and the humility of its leaders. His unbelievable story was the only way the incredible truth found its way through history.

Christmas begins with an incredible story. “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:12-14 KJV) What a vision! Peace on earth, good will toward men- - - Glory to God in the highest! Many people have questions about the Christmas story and its central historical evidence hidden in literature. This story does not provide answers to all of our questions- - - How many angels? What did they look like? Why didn’t anyone video tape it? But it also provides questions that still rock our world. What if the baby born in a manger was the Savior? What would our lives be like if we still followed this vision- - - Peace on earth and good will to all men- - - giving glory to God in the highest?

When I tell my grandchildren the history of Christmas in my lifetime it will be full of Christmas bursts into beauty, hospital visits dressed as Santa, and friendship with fellow Christian dreamers that I will always cherish. Adventure in the face of difficult odds- - - and lots of faith and love! There will be a sparkle in my eyes when I tell about how much I love my family, friends, church, community and the poor around the world. And about how every Christmas was a miracle- - - dozens of miracles! Marriages saved- - - lost people who found faith- - - worried people who found deep happiness. I wonder what memories we will create this Christmas as we remember the first Christmas!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

P.S. If you would like to be a part of the Christmas miracle at Washington Cathedral just dive in we need all the help we can get! Call the church office 425.869.5433 or visit our website at www.wacathedral.org.

How to Get in the Christmas Spirit

2011-12-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NLT)

There was a young man who just never seemed to fit in. He dropped out of school when he was 15. He hadn’t found his area of giftedness. During some hard financial times he found himself taking a very low-paying job as a court reporter. He even had to teach himself shorthand before he could land the job. The job was somewhat boring, but the stories he heard about the injustices happening to children in society deepened his anger towards the way things had become. He did however discover that he liked to write. He tried to work for court reform because of his concerns about how children were being treated. He found zero success. So his writing turned into fiction. No one wanted to publish his novels so he published his work in a serial form in a cheap newspaper that was not very well respected. His creation of stories about children who had become criminals brutal, but his writings challenged institutionalized poverty. His characters were enchanting and later this would be what Charles Dickens would be remembered for. He was born in 1812 and died in London in 1870. Everyone one knows his classic story entitled A Christmas Carol where Scrooge is transformed by catching the Christmas Spirit. I think this work of art has been performed on stage by many fine actors, but Scrooge McDuck and Mr. Magoo are two of my favorite actors playing Mr. Scrooge (of course I am joking- - - partially). The story is captivating (as are most of Dickens other stories), but the transformation of someone who is self-absorbed, judgmental, and in bad humor- - - into the delightful Christmas Spirit enjoyed by Scrooge touches all of us.

Here are some ideas on how to catch the Christmas Spirit this year:

1. Remember that the Christmas Spirit is the Holy Spirit so make time for spiritual renewal during this season.

2. Avoid self pity like the plague! If your family has to have a tight Christmas- - - make it memorable.

3. Do something for someone else on Christmas.

4. Bring someone to the Christmas services and watch how God uses your friendship to light a fire in another human being.

5. Start a new Christian family tradition this year- - - the sky’s the limit. Have grandpa read the Christmas story- - - pray holding hands- - - express what means most to you about Christmas- - - buy everyone a cross to wear for the Christmas service- - - put up a picture of the kids in Honduras and say a prayer for them- - - have someone over that would otherwise be alone on Christmas. You name it!

I believe that God has planned for you to experience a refreshing, wonderful Christmas this year! Let’s get in the Spirit of Christmas as each of us experiences the transformation of “Scrooge to an angel” and become ambassadors of Christmas joy!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Learning to Embrace Chaos

2011-12-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1 (NLT)

Most of us hate chaos. When life feels like a rollercoaster ride our need for control puts butterflies in our stomach and screams in our brain. Yet we all know that the most important times in our lives are uncertain, chaotic, fearful, adventurous, courageous, and just plain wild, uncontrollable chaos. We see this in the very first verse in the Bible. Three Hebrew words describe the chaos at the beginning of our planet. The first is to which is translated “formless” it literally means “confusion, empty place, wasteland”. The second is “waabowa” which is the Hebrew word translated as “empty” or “void”- - - it means a “meaningless desolate wilderness”. And the third Hebrew word is “choseck” which is translated as darkness and it literally means “misery, destruction, death ignorance and sorrow”. These three words describe the chaos that the creative power of God hovered over (some translations say “vibrated with”). This word is used to describe a mother bird as she hovers over her eggs to bring them to life. This is the dance that the Spirit of God did with chaos.

How do you react to chaos in your life? You are going to face it sometime- - - in Leadership Wisdom From Unlikely Voices David Fleming has a chapter on how good leaders handle chaos. He says, "Simply put, chaos is not the enemy of life and creativity. It is, rather, a necessary ally.” Pamela Meyer, in her book Quantum Creativity, tells us to embrace chaos and when she gives this lecture to business people they usually chuckle. The point is that the avoidance of chaos leads to all kinds of problems including the most basic one—unwillingness to embrace the quality that brings creativity to the surface (and that would be God!) When our lives feel chaotic it’s time for the Spirit of God to hover over us and to do His work. Chaos is part of the divine energy of life. It brings us to the brink of either madness or meaning. God invites us to become a part of His creative process. You see God is always creating. Even if formless and void describes part of our lives. We all know that from hindsight- - - when we look back at chaotic times, we see that creation and meaning came not in spite of that season, but as a result of it. To live in the midst of disturbance, (chaos) is to live in the stuff of creation. I guess this isn’t impossible unless we are working with the Creator, but it is adventurous when we see the chaos as an opportunity for the Creator to do something new in our lives.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

We're In This Together!

2011-11-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2 (NKJ)

It’s impossible to explain to someone who has not gone through this kind of crucible―the death of a loved one, the loss of a career, the diagnosis of a lifelong debilitating disease. At those moments, for the person of faith, something happens that no poet has ever adequately described. Job tried, when he said “When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” Or when he said, “Though he slay me, yet I will trust him.” or “For I know that my redeemer lives.” God comes alongside as the best friend you could ever imagine and His love is real. He forges gold in our soul. We feel Him at work for our good even in an unexplainable tragedy.

For Washington Cathedral, people are coming together in prayer. Many are walking around the campus praying. In a miraculous act Komo News came out and did a story about the challenge we face. People have been unfairly criticizing―that is true. But it’s only a small amount compared to all the good that is taking place. I received a call all the way from New Jersey from a businessman that I have never met, but he called because he was touched by the prayer of Hill Top Presbyterian Church that Sunday morning for our church. He wanted to know how he could help. There have been so many calls and emails from people far away people saying that Washington Cathedral matters to them. The bank saw the news broadcast and called to let us know they are going to work more closely with us to resolve this somehow. They even complimented us on what good customers we have been.

This Sunday night at 5:30 we are going to have the old clay jar potluck dinner. We are going to hear stories about how our church has touched people’s lives. The music will be great and we will take a miracle offering. My biggest prayer is that everyone will give something to show unity- - - that itself is a miracle. It’s a statement that we are all in this together- - - that we are a family for the rest of our lives. Last week we had over 500 just in our 11 am service (we had four others happening at that hour too). Attendance was significantly up and it felt like a miracle as Pastor Rey brought us a message from God through Honduras. This may be the best time of my life- - - waiting and working for a miracle. That is the way I want to remember life- - - and to be remembered by those that love me.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Prepare to Be Amazed!"

2011-11-18T22:21:00.000-08:00

Did you experience firsthand - the impossible surrendering to the power of God? There’s nothing like it! It doesn't guarantee a lifetime of belief- - - look at all the times the people of Israel would walk through the red sea, or follow a pillar of fire, or live off manna from heaven and then return to grumbling and doubt. Many of us would not be Christians if we had not witnessed God in a way that we could not explain without His Grace and power. You are going to have that opportunity in this “Save Our Church” campaign!

For those of you that may not have heard yet- - - we have a balloon payment of 3.8 million dollars due on December 1st (and we are praying for a miracle). God is already answering those prayers. Last week we spontaneously had $35,000 in pledges come in. This Saturday the Esperanza Congregation is holding a yard sale (they may start doing this once a month for a while to help raise money). The Four Winds Native American Congregation gave a very sacrificial gift. People who have not attended our church for years are contacting us and saying that we must save the ministries of Washington Cathedral. The youth have rallied and are writing letters inviting people to church and an internet social networking campaign is happening as thousands around the globe are praying for us and considering if they can give something. People by the hundreds are fasting and praying and many are doing prayer walks around the campus. We met with a very prestigious attorney who deals in these matters and he has informed us that we are in a very strong position because of the value of our property and the fact that we have never been late on a payment. This Sunday the news media is coming to our 11:00 service to interview us regarding the situation (your attendance at this service could be very helpful to our cause!). The world is taking notice that God is doing something very special and important at Washington Cathedral- - - so prepare to be amazed at what God will do!

Please don't gossip- - - call us if you have any questions. If for some reason you don’t agree with us, rather than opposing and promoting division, we ask that you pray for us. We need unity now more than ever.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. God is working - just open your eyes and see it. We are reducing our church indebtedness (and that is a great thing); and as a people revival is taking place that no one could manufacture.

When I was speaking in Miami in January of last year a pastor from Austria had a prophecy for me. He said, “Tim White you are going to have the hardest year of your life this year, but if you are faithful you are going to break through and God is going to bless your ministry beyond what you ever imagined it could be.” When I was in Peru this September, I was praying for people by the hundreds and one man said he did not want my prayers but had a prophecy from his mountain church in Peru for me. He said, “Tim White you are going to have the hardest year of your life this year, but if you are faithful you are going to break through and God is going to bless your ministry beyond what you ever imagined it could be.” When his message was translated by a pastor from Peru I could not believe it- - - it was word-for-word what I had heard in January of the same year- - - and from two parts of the globe! Stand back; do not be afraid- - - God is preparing to do something amazing in our midst!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Defining Moments: Performing for an Audience of One!"

2011-11-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes… Romans 1:16

There is something splendid when someone makes a stand. It might be impossible, it might look a bit ugly, it may appear sloppy to a perfectionist, but if it’s right and it’s courageous- - - then you have to admire them. I love how after Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Is that true? I can think a lot of things that the United States had to fear at that time. The Nazis getting the atomic bomb, invasion of Alaska, running out of natural resources, not knowing who their allies were going to be- - - but he boiled it down to one courageous statement. I love how Winston Churchill said (prior to the Nazi invasion of England), “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender!” That bulldog of a British Prime Minister was not going down without a fight- - -and I for one love it! These are the kinds of moments that define us.

For the church it’s all about reaching people with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. Watching people (who everyone has given up on) become clean and sober, saving marriages, rescuing young people from terrible decisions, launching world-changing dreams! Who could be ashamed to the gospel of Jesus Christ knowing it’s the power of God for salvation.

I for one know that my life will boil down to a few defining moments- - - moments that really determine so much. I just hope in those moments that I can honor Jesus Christ- - - that I will play for an audience of one and that I will demonstrate courage that comes from my faith in God which has been instilled in me since I was a child. I believe that those are the moments that will rise above all others.

I love the old “True Grit” movie- - - when John Wayne is trying to save a kidnapped girl. He’s in no shape for the challenge ahead of him- - - four bad guys all well mounted and he has a patch over one eye. He charges with both guns blazing and yelling courageous statements at the top of his lungs! He was unashamed.Your friend for the rest of my life,

Dr. Tim White

"Commit Your Way to the Lord!"

2011-11-03T12:48:00.001-07:00

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6 (NIV)

It’s impossible to ignore the uncertain times that our nation faces financially. It is understandable that we all take a hard look at our current financial status. And it makes sense that some have even cut back on their giving during this time, but uncertain times always call for acts of bold and faith-filled heroism. We can either face the future with fear, or we can renew our call upon the Lord to bless us in a mighty way.

We’re praying for our members who are in-between jobs and whose faith and determination is being tested (this is just one of the reasons why we need a great caring network). For those who have been blessed with employment or other financial security during this time; this is an opportunity for heroic support of this great philanthropic community―the local church. We always say, “God loves a cheerful giver; and we don't want anyone to give who doesn’t feel good about giving,” because time after time we have seen amazing joy for such blessed supporters. We believe that God provides for the church and He does so through eager hearts.

I would be remiss if I did not tell you that we are experiencing a time that calls for heroism in order to keep the dream of Washington Cathedral alive. Our church, and everything we do in the community and around the world, is supported by those who tithe and give to the local church body we call Washington Cathedral. Somehow, over the last 27 years, God has worked miracles through combining the small and large gifts of faithful people; and we have grown into an amazing caring network!

So many times through the years, when the going got tough, heroic people gave sacrificially to keep this dream alive. This time is no different- - - I guess it helps us to remember that the church really is a miracle!

If you have ever considered contributing to the Wall of Champions- - - may I encourage you to pray about doing it now. Participating in the Wall of Champions means giving $100 a month over your normal tithes and offerings to support the buildings that are used 7 days a week by so many different amazing groups. For many people, this is their first venture in giving- - - and they get to test God and see if He really will bless their gift (just as we are asked to do in Malachi chapter three).

Without the Wall of Champions we would not have this great campus and all of the ministries that we support in the community. Whether you can give or not, please pray for Washington Cathedral during this challenging time. Washington Cathedral is a dream and it is a vision, but it’s also a miracle every week that’s supported by the heroic gifts of generous people.

May God bless every one of you!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

P.S. If you would like to do your giving online, just go to our website www.wacathedral.org and select “give” in the upper right corner. This takes you to a completely secure website. You can set up your account for online giving.

"It is Time to Believe!"

2011-10-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.” Jeremiah 1:17 (NIV)

I believe that I have been preparing for the last part of 2011 all of my life! When I was a kid in Sunday school; when I was an athlete growing up; when I went to college; when I went to graduate school; when I was a youth pastor; when I was being discipled; when I started this church; when my heart was broken; when I saw miracles; when I was raising my children, building my marriage, and learning from my friendships- - - all of my life has prepared me for the greatest moment of life- - - To meet the challenges that we face as a church between now and December 1st. I will not shrink from this challenge! I will be the person that God has always wanted me to be. I will step into the Spirit-empowered, Jesus-directed, God-fortified zone! Jeremiah stepped into it and I will too. I will not shrink from my challenges, because I am playing for an audience of one.

I believe in this great caring network called Washington Cathedral. I believe we are going to change the world one dump at a time. I believe that God has given us a positive, Christ-centered faith to share with a cynical world. I believe that the eye of the tiger is tougher in a man who is gentle, loving, kind, patient, forgiving, and self-controlled. I'll take the Fruit of the Spirit over a spirit of cursing any day.

If you want to stand back and watch a miracle - that’s fine with me. But as for me, I am preparing to see God work in my life and our church as He has never before. Get back critics- - - prepare to eat your words. Watch out fearful spectators- - -cover your eyes, because God is going to do mighty things in our midst.

I'm just saying- - - No, I’m just believing, because- - - It’s time to believe!!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Your Body: is a Temple

2011-10-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

I am so proud of the Health Resource Center (HRC) which is the flagship of our Round Table of the great caring network. Last week they sponsored a health fair in which Cardiologist, Dr. Paul Huang, his son Aaron, and a great team from the HRC tested as many people as they possibly could- - - people of all nationalities and all income levels. Each person really appreciated the free examination. Many, many people were uninsured who would not otherwise have access to this kind of care. It saved lives. As I visited with the people and the physicians I thought that Jesus, the Great Physician, would be so proud of this! And that is what we are in this for- - - to please Jesus Christ. That brings joy to our hearts and blessings on our church.

If you would like to get involved in the many projects of the Health Resource Center talk to the President, Dr. Rey Vath, M.D. or the Executive Director, Colonel Erskine Austin. They are out to change the world and are building a key component to “the greatest caring network that the world has ever seen!” We have people from all nationalities and each of our church congregations involved and they are as fine a group of people as you will ever meet.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Encourage One Another"

2011-10-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor 13:11

The Bible is in essence a collection of stories about man’s encounter with God and how that changed their lives These stories give us guidance and hope for ways to better our lives. This process continues to the present time.

Washington Cathedral has many such stories that need to be told to give us all guidance and hope for these troubled times. I would ask that Sunday school teachers, youth leaders and TLC facilitators to bless our congregations by bringing such life-changing experiences to our attention. This will serve to encourage all of us to pursue a deeper relationship with God as we seek His solutions to our life’s problems.

Some of the stories might appear in our weekly eRadiance, some might be shared at TLC meetings and some might be shared with the congregations during worship services. God is great and God is good - let’s share the glad tidings!

Raymond E. Vath, MD

A Real Adventure Classic: The Drama of Life

2011-10-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Most people don’t realize it, but the Bible has a lot to say about courage. For some reason, in our society today, courage has become a trait that isn’t as highly prized as it was in our parents’ day. Our society is enthralled with stories about those whose success came by accident, and we are thrilled when we hear that they hardly even tried―an overnight success! We like the “get-rich-quick” stories- - - buy a lottery ticket and become a millionaire overnight (no work necessary). We love the idea of someone discovering us! Maybe that’s why movie stars and pop musicians are the new “heroes” of our society.

I praise the people of courage who are all around us: the single parent, the businessperson daring to conduct business God’s way in a dog-eat-dog world, the hero struggling to overcome a chronic or even life-threatening illness, the person with an impossible dream! We all cheered Lance Armstrong’s victory in the Tour de France, but just imagine his hard-fought battle against cancer! People flock to successes, but some of us live in admiration of those who have fought the odds and continue holding on to the impossible dream.

Courage cannot be born without the cradle of adversity. If you feel like a failure or that everything is going wrong, let me salute you for your courage! I admire the writer who has never published; the policeman or fireman, and their families, who live with the constant threat of danger; the idealistic school teacher who continues to give everything day in and day out to each child they’re given; the Small Groups facilitator who ministers and really nurtures people’s souls; the person who sticks with their dream even when the results are not so encouraging. I am not the only one who notices- - - there are children watching and learning. God is watching and applauding from heaven!

“Lord Jesus, I pray for the people of courage! Give them this moment to hear your applause of heaven! Amen.”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Living Life with Devotion: What have you bitten off?

2011-09-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16:22-26

On October 5, 2005 ABC Evening News ran a story about a freak accident. In the Florida everglades a python had swallowed a six foot alligator. They were both found dead and the python’s stomach had exploded. I think that many times we are like that snake- - - our lives, and what we have bitten off, seem like more than we can stomach.

Christians have coped with this challenge since New Testament times by learning to look for God’s will in the priorities we set. A generation ago this practice was called devotions. Christians would ask their brothers and sisters to, “Pray for my inner devotional life to be renewed.” They would also challenge one another on the deepest friendship levels and guard against a fall by continually cultivating a deep inner devotional life. They sought never-ending personal renewal by experiencing spiritual focus, emotional restoration, and affirming that Jesus held first place in their lives. The fathers, mothers, teenagers, business people and singles all held each other accountable for their ever growing capacity to offer praise and thanksgiving as well as study and memorize scripture. Every time they met, they would ask each other, “How does it go with your soul?” Many times the look on the other person’s face was all the response needed (it was the look of the snake who had just swallowed an alligator). Then, they would share, pray together, study the Word and learn- - - then make another stride at living life with the devotion that was needed.

What is the alternative to living without devotion? We will miss the focus and serenity that’s essential to our emotional and spiritual health. The apostle Paul writes about such issues in Philippians- - - and the Philippians believe that he knows what he’s talking about.

I have been privileged to meet a lot of people who have faced more than their fair share of life’s problems. Often they can only handle them one day at a time, but their devotion changes everyone who’s privileged to observe them. Yes, many times it’s not only people that swallow more problems than they can handle- - - but sometimes problems swallow people with more faith than any problem can handle. Maybe there’s a little bit of Jonah in all of us.

When Paul was in Philippi he tried to start a church. He and Silas were not only thrown in jail, but they were taken to the hard-core prisoner section- - - the inner dungeon; and if that’s not enough- - - they were then put in stocks. Paul is stuck, he can’t move. In fact, it is surprising that he’s not overwhelmed by claustrophobia! But instead, he and his buddy Silas begin to sing praises and hymns and they don’t give it up- - - they are still singing at midnight! The jailor thought that Paul had been swallowed by the prison, the inner cell, and the stocks- - -wrong! Later the jailer becomes a Christian because he has been transformed by the power of praise in Paul’s life. I pray that all of us practice such a life of devotion this week!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Being Alone with God: Watch Out!

2011-09-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.” Matthew 10:38 (The Message)

Oswald Chambers in “Being Alone with God” points out “it was the twelve disciples who asked him questions and who were puzzled about what was happening.”

It’s in the one-on-one times where we find what we need. “He gets us alone through heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, broken friendships or a new friendship.” Oswald Chambers

It’s when we are all alone in a struggle and no-one else “gets it” no matter how close they are to us; it’s only us that can feel what we feel. But if we seek after God in these times we learn more about His tenderness, caring and willingness to provide (if we let Him) than at any other time. It can’t be explained until it happens―this sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s real. We can’t draw closer until we’re to that place where we are willing to let go of all the stuff that holds us. Things like pre-conceived ideas of what we think our future looks like, relationships that are built on the wrong foundations, the self that has got us into the messes in the first place. It’s those places of self-will and “kingship” of our own lives that doesn’t allow room for God to work. I have heard it said “God only goes where He’s invited. He doesn’t force himself on anyone.” But on invitation- - - watch out! Things will begin to happen and your world will be rocked as re-building takes place. He has a plan for us and it is good, but there may be areas that need dismantling in order to bring good out of it. This is why aloneness with God in so necessary. It is in that time (devotions, quiet time, and Bible study) that He builds up trust with us as He is working so we don’t get discouraged and give up.

The disciples didn’t understand all that was happening, but we have the books and letters written by them about what they learned from it all. They shook the world with what they’d learned and passed it along. Can we expect any less?

Fiona Monaghan

The Battle: Bringing Honor to All

2011-09-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26b (TNIV)

On Thursday September 15th, 2011 President, Barak Obama honored the United States Marine Corps and every soldier fighting in the messy war in Afghanistan. He gave the Medal of Honor (the highest honor that our country can give) to a 23 year-old farm boy from Columbia, Kentucky for the worst day of his life (there are only three living recipients of this honor for this war).

When a Marine recruiter first saw Dakota Meyer as a senior he asked him what he planned on doing after high school. Dakota, a big strong boy, told him that he planned on playing college football. The recruiter said, “Good. That’s what I would do if I were you, because I don’t think you have what it takes to make a marine.” Those words haunted Dakota so he enlisted in the marines. He was stationed in the Ganjgal Valley where they were talking to village elders about supporting the Afghanistan government and encouraging them to refuse siding with the Taliban. There were only six marines on this mission. Dakota was asked to stay outside the village and guard the Humvees. Taliban snipers had been positioned in the surrounding mountains and in the village and opened fire on the marines. The gunfire was so thick that it sounded like static. The marines called for support and were denied. The two outside asked to go in to get them and they were denied. So Dakota and his friend, who won the Navy Cross, went in anyway. Dakota was asked if he had thought they would come out alive and he said, “No, but they were our brothers. We just couldn’t leave them there. They would do the same for us.” The press asked Dakota if he deserved the award. He said, “No. I’m not a hero. Those who died are the heroes.” They asked him why he would accept the award and he said, “Because it brings honor to everyone in the Marine Corps.”

Did you know that there are other battles going on in this world? Maybe not with guns, but they are battles for life and eternity. Risk and courage is still displayed; and every act of heroism brings honor to the all those who serve humanity in the name of Jesus Christ. So every time a Sunday school teacher does their best to teach the children who will lead our future- - - it brings honor to all of us. Every time a youth leader sacrifices to spend a couple days with the young people of our church and those young people commit their lives to Christ- - - it brings honor to the whole body of Christ. Every time someone gives a sacrificial financial gift or tithe to keep the church up and running and in the game to make this world a better place- - - it brings honor to all of us. Every missionary we send, every ministry we launch, every act of service that we do reflects on the entire body of Christ. Let’s honor Jesus Christ this week in all that we do.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

We Have a Job to Do

2011-09-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and d
id as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. Matthew 28:12-15

Conspiracy theories are nothing new in the world. They invented one about Jesus in Matthew 28. (See above verse)

Sometimes conspiracy theories cause great chasms between the generations. That was the way it was in the 1970s, when I was a youth pastor. You can see the differences between my dad, my grandfather, and myself; but we all had something which gave us a deep bond that no one could understand―unless they were radically committed to following Jesus Christ. We were out to change the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Not to rule the people with a Christian government, but to change the people one person at a time - because the government just reflects the people. What a uniting force this revolution in Jesus Christ has been through the centuries―different political parties, ethnic groups, economic groups, races all joining together and loving one another―willing to sacrifice their life for the noblest cause in the world.

I read studies that say some believe that September 11th was a conspiracy. I remember talking to some of my friends who were meek, mild-mannered physicians and priests/pastors from New York; and to them those were fighting words. They each had friends and family who died on that terrible day. Today the topic is just as volatile. Many have relatives serving in Afghanistan. There were topics just as difficult to talk about in the years when I was a young pastor, but we knew what was important―we had a job to do. In spite of Watergate or the differing views of the Vietnam war, Christians have always been a force of radical love and change- - - doing something rather than giving into the cynicism of anarchy. If ever there has been a time for America to come together it is September 11 ten years later.

Where were you on September 11, 2001? I was at home trying to call my brother who had an appointment in one of the twin towers. I called families in the church whose had loved ones flying Jets out of east coast cities to see if they had been hijacked. I was in shock that this could happen on American soil. I was also dismayed as some other nations cheered in the streets while others rallied by our side. I think we all prayed a little regardless of our religious ideas.

Last August our financial prospect as a nation was downgraded from Standard to Poor because we could not get along. Now everyone is pointing fingers and I don’t think that’s going to change until the next election is over (if even then), but for Christians there are symptoms and conclusions as well as action plans that run much different than pop-politics. This weekend is a time for us to call our nation to revival, repentance, change, and a new vision of hope. That is what we do if we are more than following Christ, but we are actually in Christ and he is in us.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Ministry of Solitude"

2011-09-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

When I was growing up in the Tri-Cities, it seemed that everyone was always afraid of a nuclear chain reaction at one of the atomic reactors in the Hanford area. They worried that one atomic particle could be transformed by the radiation of another and then transform others to grow at an exponential rate until they were out of control; and there would be a catastrophic nuclear event.

We need such a chain reaction of forgiveness in our community of family and friends. A chain reaction that causes a meltdown of the cold, oppressive wall that is formed by the real hurts and pain resulting from our human imperfections and wrong-doings. I think that lack of forgiveness not only causes families to suffer in loneliness at a distance from the very people they need, but I wonder how many companies are also held back by lack of teamwork- - - which is rooted in real hurts that can only be healed by real forgiveness.

I’m convinced that the message of forgiveness is a universal message in its appeal. The atheist or the secularist knows in their heart of hearts that wrongdoing destroys human relationships and that real forgiveness is necessary. They know this because at some time they have been on the offending side of that equation and their inner hope is that there would be some “medicine” which could repair the damage. They also know this because they have been on the offended side of this universal equation and instinctively they don’t want a watered-down forgiveness that says, “It’s all right to hurt another”- - - they need something deeply transforming that brings atonement for the guilt, pain, and suffering.

The message of Christ’s death on the cross for our sins and his resurrection for our new life, which lasts forever, is one which speaks to every one of our emotional needs.

When I receive communion from an elder after a worship service and the Spirit of God is speaking to my heart―I experience God forgiving my sins- - - I am relieved of my burdens, I am full of trust and hope again, and I love everyone. Yes, everyone! What I had been frustrated and desperate about now unimportant and I praise the Lord. When I take a walk with Jesus, memorize a scripture, spend 30 minutes on my knees soaring in prayer- - - I feel no need to follow one whim or another, but to make a steady course to follow Jesus in my life. Let us not forget the Ministry of Solitude in a world which is overwhelmed by the loudest noise and the quickest fix.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

A Community-of-God Endeavor!

2011-08-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:26-28

Julio Fonseca is a construction worker in Tegucigalpa, one of thousands. Several years ago Julio could not find any work so he moved his family to the country. This meant withdrawing his children from AFE. But work was also scarce in the country. With no other option, the Fonsecas came back to Tegucigalpa, this time to work in the garbage dump. Their two older children (once AFE students) came back to Tegucigalpa with children of their own.

When the Fonsecas returned, we immediately accepted the four school-age children into AFE (the young girls with babies preferred to stay home to take care of their babies). Tania, Maria, and Julio became students again and children available to sponsor. Around the same time a team from Washington Cathedral visited AFE and fell in love with the Fonseca children.

Tania’s sponsor learned that her family of nine huddled together in a one-room shack susceptible to the elements.Tania’s sponsor did not have a lot of money herself, but did have retirement savings. She leveraged that savings to provide a house for the Fonseca family. The $5,000 cost to build a house included salaries for laborers. AFE hired Julio to build his own house, along with his oldest son, but the construction was not limited to the Fonseca family. Other fathers who had received house-help from AFE joined in and a team of young people from Washington Cathedral came to provide labor.

The Fonseca house truly was a “community-of-God” endeavor . . . a community that stretched across several nations. It began with a church mission trip, moved to sponsorship, then to providing the stability of a home. It was beautiful to see the Washington Cathedral teenagers taking pictures of the Fonseca children as they marveled at their “mansion” (as they called it); knowing that they would share this experience with children’s sponsors, who are also part of the same church. Isn’t it amazing what can happen when we all get together and push! Washington Cathedral has adopted the Fonseca family. If your church would like to become involved in a similar endeavor, contact reyangeldiaz@gmail.com.

Pastor Elise White-Diaz

Stop & Notice the Mountain (And Other Great Things in Your Life)!

2011-08-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made. Day after day they tell the story; night after night they tell it again. They have no speech or words; they have no voice to be heard. But their message goes out through all the world; their words go everywhere on earth. Psalm 19:1-4 (NCV)

The other day I was driving to the church from my home in Woodinville and as I came around the corner (by Chateau Ste. Michelle), in front of Willows Lodge was a man who had stopped his car and was taking pictures. I slowed down and looked out over the grass field to see what he was looking at and all I saw was the grass. I wondered what on earth he was doing taking such effort to take pictures of a plain grass field. A few minutes later, as I came around the corner onto Woodinville-Redmond Road, I looked ahead and saw the beauty of Mt. Rainier looming over the landscape and it suddenly dawned on me, of course, he was taking a picture of that mighty, majestic mountain. I had forgotten about the mountain.

At that moment I thought about how often I don’t notice the beautiful things in my life. I’m so focused on getting to my next destination or getting the next thing on my list accomplished that I forget to appreciate the things around me. The beauty and splendor of God’s creation, the wonderful people God has put around me, the glory of His presence in my life. That day, I recommitted myself to take time and notice the beautiful things God has placed in my life. The words of one of my favorite Psalms echoed in my brain, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands . . . . They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.”

How often do you find yourself speeding through life and not noticing the beauty around you? I think that, especially in our times of stress and distress, we forget to see the beauty around us. God’s creation shouts to us, “I was created by the great Creator for your pleasure and enjoyment!” That’s how much God loves us. Today I challenge you to stop and notice the beauty around you―actually, not just today, but every day. Recommit your life to being a person who listens to the silence of the beauty surrounding you each and every day of your life. Then take time to be thankful. It will draw you closer to the Creator and you will be blessed. I was.

Have a great a glorious week!

Pastor Linda Skinner

“According to Your Faith”

2011-08-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” Matthew 9:28-29

I love sales people! I really do! I love them because they are people who cannot afford to be negative and faithless about life. If they are, they see it in their paycheck. They have to be positive, optimistic, upbeat, and enthusiastic or their family will not get paid. These are common ordinary people who are masters of self-motivation and discipline- - - and they have so much to teach us. Recently, I was talking to a friend who has been in our church for years. When I asked him how his business was going, he said something like this, “Oh, I always have all the possibilities that I want, because I help good people solve their problems and I don’t believe in the word impossible.” He went on to explain that it seems like every job he does is one that some competitor has given up on. His secret is that he knows that he can do it―he just has to find a way. When he does that and a little bit more for free- - - there is no limit to the number of jobs or the amount of times his customers want him back. I told my friend, “You are a possibility thinker!!”

There’s a level of performance that’s truly above the natural realm, and to get there just takes a little bit of trust!

I wonder how many people right now are putting themselves in self-imposed quicksand? They are imagining all the ways they might fail. They are worried to death that someone is going to take advantage of them by asking them to do something for free. How refreshing it is to hold a five-minute conversation with someone who dares to believe in deeper, more powerful values and principles.

Many people are claiming to trust God, but in point-of-fact they are rehearsing how their lives and businesses are going to fail. And then they blame God for the mistakes that they themselves sowed into their lives through unbelief.

Right now I am praying for you to move to the next level- - - the level of faith. A faith that will cause you to make the scary phone call, pound out the bold business plan, stretch to do the right thing even if it’s uncomfortable. I believe that Jesus is whispering to you, “According to your faith let it be done to you!”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

“It takes a lot of work to hang in there”

2011-08-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” Ephesians 4:3-4

Sitting in the chairs waiting for premarital counseling is a couple eager to get married. (At least they should be- - - it makes it a lot easier.) The pastor tries to warn them that marriage and building a family is going to be harder than they think. There will be a time when the honeymoon is over. There will be moments when they feel like the other person is so different that they must be from another planet. There will be times of self pity when they feel like the marriage could be so much more. There will be seasons of financial difficulties, emotional struggles, and conflicts over heartfelt differences, the challenges of life, constant distractions by children, work, commitments, etc.

It takes work to build a great marriage!
But it’s worth every ounce of effort!!!

Sitting in the chair is a new person ready to join the church. They tear up when they talk about how their life has been changed by Jesus Christ since beginning their journey of faith at the church. (When I hear the stories of all the people who have grown to maturity in their faith in this church and how God has blessed their lives I am so inspired.)

But just like it is for the young couple getting married, there will be a time when the honeymoon is over (it happens to all of us as human beings). For some, there are those moments when it seems that every sermon is no longer “just for them”; even though it might be for someone else. Some will have a time when they realize that worship requires them to take an active role not just watch the leaders worship. The toughest moment for some is when it becomes apparent that spiritual growth is a product of living the spiritual disciplines of Jesus and not just finding a new commodity. There are those startling times when patience is required, getting off the bench and getting involved is a must, and staying attached to the vine is essential. Some will have the shocking recognition that all of their needs cannot be met in a sixty-minute service once a week- - - this “following Jesus” is requires a lot more work. There’s a lot of growing up to do in the business of establishing a happy, healthy church, but I think if you ask anyone who has grown up here they will tell you it’s well worth the effort.

It takes a lot of work to hang in there with a church family!
But it’s worth every ounce of effort!!!

In Ephesians 4 the apostle Paul said, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living though all.”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

"Exciting News & Opportunity to be a Blessing!"

2011-07-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:6-13

A few months ago we introduced our new Intern Youth Pastor, Benjamin Smokovich to you. He is an amazing young man who has a genuine heart for the Lord and for youth. He has been working hard in our youth ministry (alongside all of our gifted youth leaders) and we are blessed to have him at Washington Cathedral. Benjamin has a need for some assistance and has written a letter to you, his church family, with his request. Please consider if you are able to help or know of anyone who can help, and please be praying for this dynamic young man, his family and his continued ministry at Washington Cathedral.

Hello Washington Cathedral,

I would like to introduce my wonderful family to you- - - my wife Natasha and my daughters Ema and Audrie. Currently they are living in the Tri Cities and are moving back to this side of the mountains. We have had a wonderful year of seeing God move in our midst. Ema is currently 9 and Audrie is a 1-1/2. I am very excited to have them by my side and getting involved at Washington Cathedral in this great time of revival.

Right now we are looking for a place to stay as a family; as this is a difficult time in the economy for everyone, but we feel called to this area and we know that God is going to do a huge work in this church. We are so excited, because working with youth and watching them be raised up through the training of God’s Word is a passion for both me and my wife. This is why we are looking to stay somewhere on or near the Eastside so that we can be close to the church. We know that without the help of the church body this will be impossible.

My family is moving here on August 1st and we are looking for a place to stay for a little while, because we don’t have a deposit or last month to put down on a home or apartment. But we are not broken or crushed because of this―it’s just an opportunity to see God work a miracle and for us to be a living testimony of His love and provision. With only a little time left I am putting my family on the mercy of the Lord. So if you know of anyone that could house us for a short time or if anyone has or knows of a place for me and my family to stay for a discount, please let me know; ben.smokovich@wacathedral.org or (425) 268-7065. Thank you very much for your attention and prayers and I will keep you updated on our circumstances.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Smokovich

The Walls Came Tumbling Down: Three Qualities that Break Down Strongholds in Your Life

2011-07-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. Joshua 6:20

Many times in our lives we have the same problems that hold us back for years, decades, and even generations. It’s what some Christians call a “stronghold.” Jericho was that kind of stronghold standing against the people of Israel. At one time it was known as the oldest archeological site in the world―in other words- - - perhaps one of the oldest cities in history. I don’t think that’s true today (although I haven’t been reading my archeological periodicals enough know what is). In the 1970s I was at an archeological dig of one of the sites located at the oasis where more than one ancient city existed. Israel was terrified of this fortified city. At one point they turned back from the promise land after scouting it out and realizing that Jericho was unfriendly and invincible.

In an act of obedience they marched around the city for seven days and on the seventh day marched around it seven times. In a display of praise, they shouted and the walls came a tumbling down! A stronghold that had held them back for generations from all that God had promised them was removed.

That sounds easy. Is it? Obedience, humility and submission are qualities that are rare for Christians today. In the bestselling book “Radical: Stealing Your Faith Back from the American Dream” the author points out how easily our self-willed lives can miss the point that God has for us. Obedience is a very difficult obstacle. Jonah had to be swallowed by a great fish before he would comply with God’s will for his life. I think any of us might rethink our plans after being thrown up on a beach by a great fish. Jesus used this as a metaphor for what he had to go through on the cross. Paul said he had to go through something like that before God could get his attention. He was as he said, “Crucified with Christ.” Are you willing to swallow your pride and do it God’s way? That’s a lesson I’ve learned and relearned in my walk with the Lord. Fortunately, I have never been swallowed by a great fish, but I have had some tough experiences that I am ashamed to say were necessary for God to get my attention.

Second was praise. We love to whine and complain―it becomes an addiction, but we are never at our best and ready for victory until we are ready to shout for praise. Do you ever watch a sports team get ready? They don’t do it by complaining- - - they do it by shouting. I loved watching the women’s soccer team this year (I was sad at their loss, but happy for Japan). As I watched our team of winners be interviewed all week on different shows; I thought, “They are really amazing people.” You could see in their eyes that they were winners- - - and they were gracious in their comments about their loss to Japan. There was something in their hearts that made each one of those young athletes beautiful. I see that same look in my two daughter’s eyes. I hope that we can model that attitude of confident praise that makes walls come tumbling down for every young person growing up in the church.

There was a prophet at the conference I just returned from. He said that God told him we are at the door. And if we have the faith to go through it; this next year will be the most blessed year in the history of our church. I believed him when he said it. Are you ready to see the walls come tumbling down? I am!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Learning from the Chicken & the Pig

2011-07-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Psalm 24:1-2

This week I returned to Tegucigalpa. I returned to a day spent in traffic, just trying to get home. I returned to a faulty phone and internet connection. I visited Pastor Jeony at the doctor’s office and was astounded at the difference in healthcare available to us in Washington. I returned to a house devoid of running water (until we could get it fixed). I had been spoiled in the United States for a month and forgotten what life is like for the majority of the world’s population.

In 2005, half of the world’s population lived on less than $2.50 a day (http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats). 80 % of the world’s population lived on less than $10 per day.

Recognizing how differently the majority of the world lives has important implications for how we steward the Lord’s resources.

Psalm 24:1 says it well, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” And just as God once called Adam and Eve to take care of the garden, he also calls us to be stewards of the resources he made available to us on the earth. Stewards are people who manage another’s property or financial affairs (the Lord’s). They are not our resources to begin with. This is a scary proposition.

On Sunday Rey shared a story with AFE’s church congregation. It was the story of the chicken and the pig. One morning the chicken and the pig were hungry and brainstormed putting a breakfast together. The chicken said, “How about this? We each need to put in something, so it’s fair. I’ll put one egg in. All you need to do is supply the bacon.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” said the pig. “That is hardly a fair proposition. It costs you next to nothing to supply the egg, but for me to supply the bacon is a whole other story. I would have to cut off a leg, or maybe even give my very life!”

What happens to us, Rey continued, is that we start just giving God our eggs, instead of our whole being, because it seems easier at the moment. But God calls for our everything; our time, and talents, and resources, our imaginations, our very selves. They were His to begin with and they will be His in the end, when we meet Him face to face and He asks us how it went, how we stewarded all that he gave us to use for the expansion of His kingdom.

Daily, moment by moment, I am finding that I must remind myself that every blessing from God is not for my own enjoyment, but to invest in the work to which he has called me. I encourage you to do the same.

Pastor Elise White-Diaz

Confessions of a “Worship Junkie!”

2011-07-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

“But the time is coming―indeed it is here now―when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

What a privilege it is to serve and worship God!!! I must confess that I think I’m a “worship service” junkie. On most weekends I attend a minimum of 3 worship services here at Washington Cathedral and what is amazing is that each one, although the same message, seems very different. Being a “meta” church (a family of churches); each service has its own style and appeal. Pastor Tim preaches the same power-filled message at each service, but it’s amazing how each service has its own personality.

Saturday night at 6pm is the Boulder Creek Congregation. This is a wonderfully casual church service. We have traditionally called this our “country church in the city” and it still has that appeal. When you enter into the atrium of the Spirit Falls building you are greeted by the aroma of fresh-baked cookies. Pastor Dale and Mamma Jane are there to greet you along with the other folks who call Saturday night their church. Pastor Tim often wears his cowboy boots and dresses casually. The people who attend are often coming from working in the yard or just stopping by after a picnic. For some, Saturday night is a perfect solution because they have other Sunday morning commitments. The children have a great Saturday “Sunday School” and there’s always a delicious dinner after the service.

Sunday morning at 9am is the Cathedral at the Falls Congregation. This is the most traditional of all of our services, but still has some elements of contemporary mixed in. Rhonda Jones and the Cathedral Choir comprise most of the music for this service which always includes traditional hymns and modern worship songs. Worship leader, Travis Graham, steps in to lead a couple of the worship songs accompanied by Rhonda and the Choir. There is what we call “liturgy light” which means we responsively read a Bible passage and recite together the “Lord’s Prayer.” Pastor Tim wears a robe as do the rest of the pastoral staff. This service is “traditional” to us not just because of the elements, but it is church the way we did it for many years when we had just one congregation. Kids enjoy the great Sunday school teachers at 9am who are dedicated to helping them grow in their love of Jesus.

Sunday morning at 11am is the Mountainside Congregation (Mountainside is the name we gave our Sanctuary in the ReCreation Center). This is our contemporary service and has changed the most out of all our services. Travis Graham is the Worship Pastor for this service and does an amazing job of leading the congregation is sweet yet exciting worship. He has brought in some of the musicians from his popular worship band, New Heights, and the sound is amazing. There is always a hymn, but it may be done in a new way with drums and guitars. The music is a little louder and the youth are involved in this service―the young families love it. Young children enjoy Sunday school at its best. . . “Radically Opposed to Boredom” is their motto. Children’s music programs are available during this service and the student ministries (grades 7-12) meets together at 10:30 am for breakfast and devotion time just prior to joining us in worship at 11:00.
The Rooted Congregation meets on Sundays at 6pm in Spirit Falls. The leadership team for this service is comprised totally of the young leaders in our church. It is a truly beautiful service. Travis and Katie lead about 30 minutes of sweet, sweet worship with piano and guitar. The lights are turned down low and there are candles covering the altar. Pastor Tim always shares the message with one of the young leaders who takes one point of the message and gives us their spin on it. The children’s program is awesome and I know from talking to the kids who are in it that they have a great time.

This is just one of the many things I love about our church―variety within the Body of Christ. Every service leads me closer to God and I have to say that I would have a hard time choosing which service is my favorite. I love worshipping with the Saturday night congregation; it is such a laid back, casual atmosphere. I adore worshipping with the 9:00 congregation; it feels like home to me being from a Lutheran background. I am totally energized worshipping with the 11:00 congregation; I love the music and being surrounded by the young people. You don’t have to be a total “worship junkie” like me, but I encourage you to find the service that fits your style and engage. You have been designed to worship God and to achieve your full potential as a Christ-follower! Besides- - - being a little bit of a “worship junkie” is not a bad thing.

Pastor Linda Skinner

I believe that freedom is just getting started.

2011-06-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

I was watching a program on the History Channel about the current phenomenon of “preppers.” I had never heard of them before. They are people who are convinced that our nation is going to collapse so they are investing thousands of dollars and all their spare time getting their kids ready for it. I love to talk about politics and economics (as well as many other subjects) I am amazed at all the conservatives that are pessimistic about the future, and the liberals are just as pessimistic. No wonder they cannot agree on a budget and a long-term plan to face the challenges that face our nation. I have talked to professors of macro economics and they share that the United States is on the slide and is a “has been.” I ask about all the restarts- renewals and revivals our economy has already experienced and how they know that we are not going to experience another one and they don’t have a good answer for me except pessimism. We have seen harder times. The burning of the White House during the war of 1812, the Civil War, times when we had to challenge issues such as slavery, racial prejudice or economic and political change or we were not going to make it. Incidentally each time the change was preceded by a great spiritual awakening. I believe that July the 3rd is one of the most important weeks of the year for you to go to church. If you love our country and have hopes for the future than we need to demonstrate for freedom. We need to remember how blessed we are and fortify ourselves for the challenge ahead by a spiritual renewal in our church that I pray will spread throughout our nation.

In recent history, everyone was saying we were on the way out and that we were going to lose the cold war. What happened then? What about when our economy was stagnate and a bunch of young people created billion dollar companies which carried our nation to a new level of prosperity and blessing for the whole world. This weekend, we will have the presentation of the colors by a Marine Color Guard (thank you Colonel Erskine Austin). We will sing the Star Spangled Banner. The amazingly talented Carly Delucia will sing God Bless America. An actor will recite the 7-minute Gettysburg address with slides and musical background that will stir the soul. The choir will honor those in our church who have served in the military by singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic. I am joining the choir this week along with a bunch of staff members. Travis is singing a song he wrote for a friend who left for Iraq. And I think I will have one of the best messages I have ever delivered in my 56 years. I am fired up about this one. Then Vietnam War veteran, Pastor David Gerzsenye will sing God Bless The USA accompanied by the children’s choir.

Right after the 11am service we will have a short dynamic picnic. Pastor Benjamin Smokovich is preparing a flag football game. Dave Irish will be in concert. Some of us will dance with our children or grandchildren. There will be a children’s carnival and a wonderful old-fashioned hamburger and hotdog meal put on by the men of the church. Of course there will be family swimming and just hanging out as we watch the blockbuster movie “Independence Day.” It will all be too good to miss. So make being at Washington Cathedral a priority to publicly demonstrate for freedom and spend time with some very good lifelong friends.
Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Being Fruitful!"

2011-06-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:7-9 (TNIV)

I love it when fruit starts to ripen in the Pacific Northwest- - - it’s an amazing miracle! First come the fruit trees blossoming with indescribable beauty. Next, we see the little green beginnings of delicious fruit begin to grow- - - apples, peaches, apricots, cherries (not in this order), watermelon and cantaloupe (not from trees, but from the vines on the ground), loganberries, blueberries and most amazing of all (the most pesky weed in the Pacific Northwest) the blackberry bush dazzles us all as we stop fighting them and start enjoying their fruit. I remember one Sunday I was preaching and I happened to mention that the world’s best watermelon was grown in Hermiston. Little did I know that there was a farmer from Hermiston in the crowd visiting his daughter and the next week he had a fresh Hermiston watermelon delivered to each staff member.

All through the Bible we are encouraged to produce fruit. In John 15:1-2 Jesus says, “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” There is the fruitfulness comparison. It seems that something placed deep inside our human DNA is the desire to be fruitful- - - we want our lives to count for something good and honorable. We want to bear fruit that is self-perpetuating or replicating of the very cause of our lives.

Why do some people bear fruit in their life and others lives are built on sand that wash away at the first sign of a storm? Perhaps our worst enemy is not our circumstances, but ourselves- - - our own attitude of closeness to God. “But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23) There lies the ability to weather the storms of conflict, criticism, unfaithful friends, and spiteful enemies; and keep a heart of gold so pure that it can invest completely in the Kingdom of God. I pray that each of us is fruitful in every part of our lives and I pray that the fruitfulness of our church increases.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"A Tribute!"

2011-06-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

One of the first Christmas’ at Washington Cathedral we received a call from Swedish Hospital that a young lady there was facing death. Our family loaded up our Christmas party and we joined her in her room. For the first (and last) time our family formed a choir and our five-year-old daughter, Elise, played her portable keyboard while we sang Christmas hymns, exchanged presents, and felt the Christmas Spirit in a very precious way. Wendy Moesch was a brilliant straight “A” student who was challenged with a life of chronic illness. She was a member of many different TLC’s (Tiny Little Churches) in our church. I don’t know how many people visited her in the hospital, gave her rides to doctor visits, brought meals, gave gifts, picked her up for church, and rode the rollercoaster of her life along with her dear family.

I think she faced a total of about 26 years of chronic illness. Who wouldn't need all the support and caring they could get to go through the prime of their life filled with pain and illness? It seemed like somehow every year I ended up as Wendy’s Santa through the Santa Conspiracy. She would say, “Pastor Tim how do you always find me at Christmas?” And I would say, “Honestly, I don't know!”

I write this article as a tribute to Wendy Moesch who loved God in spite of her difficult life. I also write it in tribute to her parents and family who hung in there through all the years. A week ago Pastor Linda and Pastor David led her beautiful memorial service in our Spirit Falls Sanctuary. I also write this as a tribute to all the members of Washington Cathedral who are trying to build a great caring network and who were part of trying to encourage an amazing young lady who fought some of the toughest challenges of life with as much faith as she could muster. Wendy made sure all our buildings were special needs accessible; she inspired us when her faith showed through her hardship. Her life was not easy, but she was a great inspiration to many of us.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"What Would Jesus Do?"

2011-05-31T16:09:00.001-07:00

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:11-12

What do you do when you are completely out of cheeks to turn? The whole philosophy of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount was turning the other cheek. Loving your enemies, blessing those that curse you is a wondrous theory, but sometimes we get to the end of ourselves. We go through the crucible of losing our ability to understand what God is doing and what we are supposed to do in response to all the injustice in our lives. And that moment is an opportunity to experience a grace that we could never envision. We cannot envision it because it comes not from this world, but from God himself. We trust not in our emotions, but in faith- - - faith that moves mountains! We confess with our hearts and believe with our minds in a strong, bold, kind, and loving response. We ask, “What would Jesus do?” and that is a beginning of a miracle.

I love the story in Acts where the enemies of Christianity threw rocks at the apostle Paul and hit him with sticks until they were sure that he was dead. His friends gathered around him crying and then he moved- - - he was still alive and he got up. As they grabbed him to comfort and bandage him he just walked back into the town and began preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and everyone was amazed. I wonder if Paul was the most amazed one of all. God had worked a miracle in his heart and mind—one that we still experience today- - - a miracle that is still changing the world!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Let's Celebrate!"

2011-05-26T12:45:00.001-07:00

For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me. Acts 27:23

In one of the toughest moments of his life, the apostle Paul was going through a storm and we see this one verse (above). It is an amazing verse. God was by his side in the tough times. This has been my experience—that God has sent Angels in the form of friends to stand by my side in the toughest storms of life. I want us all to celebrate that right in the teeth of this recession. Washington Cathedral raised 75 thousand dollars for the children living in the city dump of Tegucigalpa Honduras. We raised 4 full-ride scholarships for kids graduating from AFE School to go to the university. We have our financial challenges as a church, but what a display of generosity! Attendance has been up with new people coming to the church and many wanting to join. We are starting three new congregations and the dream- - - God's dream- - - is moving forward.

Last night a new family from Russia attended The Source. They have a ministry of adopting at-risk kids and loving them as God himself would love them. My dad told the amazing mom that she was his hero and that her ministry is like the highest ideals of this great caring network. She said, “What for? I’m not doing anything.” As my dad told me this story I thought, “This is definitely a God thing,” because with God standing by your side (or sending an angel) it lifts the burden away and turns it all into a sweet adventure that makes life worth living.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Still Splashing Joy!

2011-05-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15

We have a dream of a great network of churches from all ethnic groups working together as one team out to build the greatest caring network that the world has ever seen. I believe that last Sunday was a glimpse into the future of Christianity. Over 50 people attended our Pastor’s Welcome Brunch / (Discovery Class)—people from Mexico, Brazil, Egypt, El Salvador, Columbia, Peru, the Philippines, and un-churched people from the United States. When I asked everyone to share a little about their faith background, I had no idea at what would happen next. In the history of Washington Cathedral we have never had a class like this! Every story was a tearful telling of redemption, new faith, the discovering of a family and a great caring network. The tears were flowing, but prayers of thanksgiving were also flowing for those who know what it has taken to get this church this far. But more than that- - - it was a viewpoint. You know when you are backpacking and you come around a bend and you see the top of the mountain you are going to climb. It makes your heart pound, takes your breath away and you are filled with new energy. One member of our church leaned over to me and said, “I think this was a ‘God thing’ that we were here to experience this!”

I am somewhat versed in what’s happening at Washington Cathedral, but I was in no way prepared for the beauty, the drama, the pure-hearted Christianity that came pouring out that day. I will never be the same. I can say with Martin Luther King Jr. that, “I have seen the mountain top!” I may not get there with you, but we as a people will get to the mountain top! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. I will never be the same after that class.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim

"At Home in Christ!"

2011-05-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

“The disciple who abides (is at home) in Jesus is in the will of God, and what appears to be his free choices are actually God’s foreordained decrees…” Oswald Chambers

We are then to allow Jesus that place of being totally at home in us, in our lives, so that He will be comfortable changing things around, rearranging our rooms…throwing out things that aren’t needed any longer. It might be old habits, wrong thinking: those attitudes and defenses that we no longer need, or do us any good. He wants to be “King of our Castle” and when we let Him, we find that place of Home ~ that Place of Rest and Safety. We find we are more comfortable in our lives, in our own skins, our place in this world and with other people. Not trying to fix them, but accepting them where and for what they are, as God’s children too. He will take care of them. We are to be quite busy with our own rooms and what God has in store for us on this simple, childlike adventure; so we needn’t be worrying about cleaning out other peoples’ houses…

To live within His will and plan for our lives frees us from all sorts of things. We can take steps daily toward our future knowing He’s got it all mapped out. We needn’t worry. If we turn our concerns for others into prayers for them, it accomplishes things for the Kingdom far better than worrying will do. To do this we need to trust God with every aspect of our lives and with the confidence of a little child who is totally focused; and accepting that her Father would never do anything to hurt or disappoint. He loves us and wants only the best for our lives in order to grow and strengthen us to be useful in our time here.

Fiona Monaghan

"The Fourth Great Awakening!"

2011-05-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

"But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean theAmerican war? The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people." John Adams (as quoted by David McCullough), Part 1 Revolution

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. Romans 1:16-17
The fourth great awakening has started. Three great awakenings mark American history and it’s time for a fourth! A band of believers are out to change the world through their faith in Jesus Christ and their service to the people that God loves. After the 11am service last week a beautiful, intelligent young girl was headed to Children’s Hospital to visit a 7 year old friend who is facing a very serious illness. She had a smile on her face and moist eyes- - - she was doing what Jesus would do- - - what we call “Splashes of Joy!”

We’ve asked people to share their experience and results with doing “Random Acts of Jesus.” Caitlin, who is 10 years old, wrote about her experience: “I took Lily to the park while Bob and Bev got lots of yard work done." Yeah Catlin! And Laryn wrote about a neighbor girl (Logan) who is her age. After Logan’s parents lost their jobs in Colorado they moved here to re-establish at her grandparent’s house in Laryn’s neighborhood. Then her mom got her old job back in Colorado, but wanted her daughter to stay here to finish school. Laryn feels like Logan needs more friends so she’s been working to help her feel at home. Laryn says, “She is like a sister now." What a blessing and life impacting experience!

As John Adams said, “The revolution starts in our heads. Before there is an army there is something that happens in our minds and hearts.” I think this is happening with the children! I pray we all catch the campaign to reach out and surprise people with “Random Acts of Jesus!”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim

We Are Spiritual Beings!

2011-04-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Say to them, “The Lord Yahweh says this. . . .I mean to raise you from your graves my people. . . .I shall put my spirit in you, and you will live.” (Ezekiel 37:12-14) If the Spiritof him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from thedead will give life to your own mortal bodies through the Spirit living in you. (Romans 8:1)

There doesn’t seem to be much room for debate for that, according to God’s Word, we are spiritual beings! In fact, I’ve been ruminating about this statement and trying to unpack it for about a month now, “We are spiritual beings who have a soul and live in a body.” The scriptures quoted above confirm the fact that if we are believers we have a spirit. The confusing part has to do with the soul.

Conventional wisdom and common usage intermingles the two which, to my mind, diminishes the power of the Holy Spirit in our individual lives. In fact, I’ve just been following a Lenten devotional called Seven Weeks for the Soul by Gerard Hughes. Our church library had it, and a lot of other very good guides to refresh our spirit on display. I grabbed this one just at the start of Lent. (I must confess, the title drew me because I had already been pondering the soul/spirit issue and wanted to see if this book had anything to help clear my mind.)

Pastor Tim must have read this book! He has been guiding us through his worship messages, discipleship teaching and the Source on Wednesday nights on many of the subjects covered in this book. It all has to do with disciplining the soul - that our spirit may be our prime motivator and guide as we navigate this life wanting to serve God and fulfill His plan for our lives.

Our soul has to do with our mind, emotions and will. A spiritual person, like you and me, longs to demonstrate our spirit-led life through the Fruit of the Spirit as well as the gifts designed to encourage, instruct and serve others. A congregation full of spiritual beings who have disciplined souls will be walking witnesses to what God can do when His people submit to Him. The pure joy of that knowledge just has to burble over into our worship time! That’s my prayer for Washington Cathedral.

Pastor Sally Jo Holmes

"Easter is Just the Beginning!"

2011-04-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!” Acts 12:12-14

They were spending all night in prayer, praying for Peter who was in chains and in Prison. An angel came and set Peter free; and Peter walked out of Prison and came to the very house where they were praying. When he knocked on the door Rhoda would not even let him in because she was so overjoyed. The people thought she was out of her mind when she told them their prayers had been answered―all the while Peter was still knocking on the door. (This is slapstick comedy- - - almost something that would work for a Jerry Lewis sketch.) But it is so true to life―we are surprised when God answers prayers.

Easter is not the end of the revival at Washington Cathedral—it’s just the beginning!

Now we unleash the most powerful wave - hundreds of people every single week trying to live like Jesus; doing “random acts of kindness” and starting a ripple effect in our community and our world! This is the fun part!! Make sure to write me an email @ tim.white@wacathedral.org telling about your random acts of kindness adventures so that I can share them with the church. I’m excited to hear touching stories, funny stories and even stories where it did not seem to work. I will be sharing about this great-awakening in our church and how it is changing our lives. Remember, Easter is not the end of the story it is just the beginning!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"We Have a Date with God!"

2011-04-08T12:35:00.001-07:00

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” Acts 18:9-10

Washington Cathedral raises the financial budget for the AFE School in Honduras that pays for salary, food, etc. Jackie and I just returned from visiting there. We just had a short time and Jackie was determined that one of the things we would buy would be Bible covers. Our Spanish is limited and everyone seemed to direct us someplace else in the city. Finally we entered a shop and Jackie said, “This place is not going to have Bible covers.” I looked at the man behind the counter and said, “You never know. This guy is a Christian.” She said, “How do you know?” But, before I could answer, the man said, “My name is Christian and I am a follower of Jesus Christ.” And he spoke in perfect English! (I could tell because he was listening to a sermon and the store was full of Christian artifacts.) Jackie told him that we were shopping with money that was raised by a sweet girl by the name of Rachel to buy things for an auction that will raise money for the kids living in the city dump. He asked who our connection was and we told him about Rey and Elise. “Oh!” he said. “I saw them on T.V. [Good morning Honduras] I really want to help!” So he sold us everything at half-price and then took 10% off the total. If they didn't have what Jackie wanted, they even sent someone to run to another store to buy it and bring it back! After the sale he shared his faith with me and I invited him to come to the church I had preached at the day before. We have never had so much fun shopping. When we returned we told our kids, “That was such a blast - it felt like a date!”

We are praying that we can all reach out with our faith to touch three people. Easter is a great time to just walk across the room and start a conversation- - - Have someone over for dinner- - - Help someone in a way that initiates friendship. And you never know the good that can come by simply reaching out.

When we were at the dump, there were three new children there. The oldest was about seven. They had fresh faces and the look of terror. We were handing out popsicles, cookies and water in the 90+ degree temperature. People were mobbing us, but these kids were too afraid to come over and let us help them. I asked Pastor Jeony if he knew them and he said, “Not yet.” Jackie asked me to wade my way into the dump to give them something, but they ran when I approached them. We begged Pastor Jeony to make sure that he and Rey would try and build a friendship with them and develop trust through serving them so that “Together for Transformation” can save their lives.

When we reach someone this spring, we are helping reach someone who will not only benefit from a positive, authentic relationship with Jesus, but they may become a person that saves lives. What an adventure!! (I guess we could call this a date.) We have a date with God to experience all the joy of really reaching out and making a difference in three people’s lives.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Splashes of Joy!"

2011-03-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

It’s as Old as the Book of Acts And as New as the Book of Revelation Seven Churches and One Senior Pastor!

The final book of the Bible is addressed to seven congregations and one God-appointed Senior Pastor! We use the term Senior Pastor, but the bible uses two terms for such a calling, which are “Bishop” and “Apostle."

It sounds like the meta church is not a new idea! Yet, even more amazing is the fact that church growth in the United States has pretty much flattened out. It seems to have become a sad situation where we have daily closures of small churches and some wonderful new mega churches.

Hooray for the mega churches! But the sad part is that the net growth of new Christians in the United States is apparently close to zero. Yet, in China, right now we may be having one of the greatest times of church growth in all of history. What is the secret?

Guess what? - - - The Chinese church is made up of churches so small they have to meet in homes.

Pray with us that this Easter season will be a happy, happy time―when people who have not been going to church will start. And even more fantastic, a time when people who have never gone to church will visit and become a part of one of Washington Cathedral’s congregations!

I promise you that nothing will be more satisfying for each of us than to dare to pray that God will use us to invite three brand new people to visit one of our encouraging worship services.

Pastor Dale White

A Note from Pastor Tim: I’ve got your number! I’m redecorating my office. My walls will soon be covered with signed affirmation of individuals who are committed to invite three people to visit a Cathedral worship service. I can’t remember anything that’s been more encouraging to me!

Pastor Tim

"Our Family of Faith!"

2011-03-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone―especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6:10

When someone discovers a personal faith in Jesus Christ and becomes a part of the family of Washington Cathedral it is such a blessing to every single one of us- - - and to the whole world! A family accomplishes what it does, because every member is playing their role. When a child goes to top university, it’s a joy for the whole family; the older siblings that taught that child to be tough, the mother that taught that child to walk, the father who helped that child with their math, and the grandparents that spoiled that child and made their self-confidence sparkle. (Even the neighbors that bought Girl Scout cookies from that child are proud.) It’s a blessing to the entire community.

When I think of our family of faith here at Washington Cathedral I think about how it’s always changing―there’s a sadness in that, but there’s also a joy. I tell young parents, “Kids grow up quick, but every stage is wondrous!” We loved when our kids were teenagers, we enjoy now that they are accomplished young adults. Do we miss them being toddlers? Yes and no- - - we don't miss changing diapers, but I still miss watching Sesame Street.

The other day I was having lunch with the Baek family. SuJong and Rachel are wonderful pastors for the Korean Congregation (and their two daughters are just a delight). Caitlin and Aaron, like the rest of the kids in our church, are just world-class cute- - - my mom loves to serve them cookies when they come to church on Sunday morning. When these little girls walk through the door you would think the queen of England had arrived. So on the way to lunch I stopped by Fred Meyer and bought each of them a little present―a Pez candy dispenser that was a fluffy little bunny. The lady that sold them to me started to giggle and I said, “What’s so funny?” She said, “Just the thought of you buying these fluffy bunnies.” Then everyone in line began to roar with laughter- - - I didn’t even try to explain, I just left because I didn’t get the joke. But, what a joy it was when I presented them to Caitlin and Aaron. Their parents are wonderful parents and they told them, “Now, you only get one candy a day until you are out.” But, they had already eaten them all before lunch. Oh how I enjoyed praying with the Baeck family- - - hearing their dreams for their church and thinking of this wonderful family as part of my family- - - the family of faith.

We are attempting to each try and reach 3 other people through our 1 + 3 campaign. Why? Because as our family grows the family of faith just becomes more and more blessed and we can bless each other more and more. What a great time to be alive- - - to watch a miracle take place right before our eyes as our family of faith grows.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"God is Great!"

2011-03-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. Acts 2:42-43

God is great and He is doing great things in our midst! This is a note sent to Jackie White from one of our dynamic youth group members. It’s exciting to see how God is already beginning to work through the Soul Tsunami! I can’t wait to hear more stories of how God is blessing each of your lives in new and exciting ways as you experience revival in your personal relationship with Him! I am specifically praying for this for each and every one of you!

Hey Jackie,

I wanted to let you know that Pastor Tim’s message Sunday really touched me. I've found myself switching the radio or my Zune away from worship music a lot lately because I was tired of hearing the same songs again and again or didn't like the songs tune. But as I listened to the message Sunday I realized that I was focusing on the wrong thing. The time I spend listening to the radio, is my ride to work. That is an opportunity to worship with God! I realized if I used the worship music to really worship on the way to work, I'd stop letting pop culture get to me and be closer with God. And I also realized I was missing coming to church on Sundays.

Jessica Williams

Wow! What a blessing and testimony to listening to God’s voice and being sincerely open. Truly, the youth will lead the way in this spiritual revival ~ and I am praying each of us will be part of it!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim

"A Holy Experiment!"

2011-03-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Partnership means work! It means legwork! It means teamwork! It means we work! John Maxwell, The Power of Partnership in the Church (Pg. 21)

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen―not only because I see it, but because by it, I see everything else." C.S. Lewis, Is Theology Poetry (CS Lewis Collection, p.21)

Wow, two great quotes both from page 21 of two different books. I love to consider the potential, the fun, the power, the sheer joy, the peace of being in partnership with God. The prospect makes me quiver with excitement! I love every time God calls someone into a relationship with him. As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ”Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16-20 NIV)

As I write this devotion, my daughter called from Princeton and asked me, “Dad, what are you doing to observe Lent?” I told her my plans and how we were having a special Ash Wednesday service tonight. Then I received a call from a pastor/friend from another church. We talked about a bunch of things and he said, “I see you guys are celebrating Ash Wednesday. What are you doing to observe Lent this year?” I told him of our church’s 40 days of fasting and that I am giving up a meal daily and implementing a general healthy lifestyle along with it. I told him about the three people I am praying for and our waves of the Soul Tsunami. He asked me if it would be alright for him to stop by and joined our Ash Wednesday service tonight. After completing our conversation―I thought, “The waves begin!”

Let me sum up the concept of this “Soul Tsunami” in a nutshell for you. Is that a metaphor? (If not I am starting one.) Every day for 40 days each person in the whole church wakes up and asks Jesus, “What would you do through me today?” What thoughts would you have my brain entertain? What words would you have me speak? What good deeds would you have me do? What random acts of service would you have me do? Use me Lord today!”

What a holy experiment! People are very worried about home-grown terrorists today. Well- - - the terrorist should worry about the climate of fear and cynicism which causes people to resort to the desperation of terrorist thinking being challenged by home-grown followers of Jesus Christ! Not just being religious or talking a big talk, but joining together in a holy wave of a Soul Tsunami! It’s going to be an adventure! I can't wait to hear the stories and to be on the front lines of people asking the big question- - - “Will we put down our nets and follow Jesus?” I can't think of a better partnership!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"The Heart of a Child!"

2011-03-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace. Isaiah 54:13

One of the greatest missions of the church is to reach, love, and prepare our children to be all that God wants them to be- - - and they will lead us, because if we want to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven- - - then we must have the heart of a child. I am amazed at all the incredible young people in our church! Below is a recent letter that my wife Jackie forwarded to me about Rachel Raines and a school cooking contest. There are many people in our church that are like Jackie and I, who don't get to be around children so much anymore. And we delight in being a part of a church family that prays for and works for building a great caring network for our kids!

Rachel participated today in her first cooking contest. She had lots of fun and put on a beautiful table display (thank you Susan!) and prepared a delicious pasta dish. Twenty 4th & 5th graders were selected from the whole school district to compete in the cook-off. Five winners were selected based on the following categories: Kid-Friendly Preparation, Healthiest Opinion, Best Table Presentation, Tastes Great, and Overall winner. Ms Rachel was the Overall winner!!!! Her recipe will be submitted to the state kids cooking competition. Also, they will be making Rachel's pasta dish at her school to serve for lunch (she is most excited about that).

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"God's Provision!"

2011-02-22T15:47:00.001-08:00

Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. (1 Kings 17:2-6)

After I experienced a min-stroke last June, it was clear that I could not continue to work the 10 hour days that I had worked for much of my life. When fatigue occurred I shifted into adrenaline drive which raised my blood pressure, resulting in accelerated cardiovascular aging. I began to prepare for retirement with anxiety that my retirement funds may be at risk due to governmental policies that will clearly become inflationary, thus reducing my retirement trust that I have accumulated over the years.

When I prayed about this, God reminded me that he had fed Elijah by sending ravens with food until the stream dried up, and then sent him to stay with a widow, whose container of oil and flour was replenished until the famine ended. I reminded myself that I had turned over all my assets to God a long time ago, acting only as a steward of them. I asked for guidance, and it came through the many financial advisory publications that I had been led to subscribe to. They recommend investing in countries that were solid financially because of natural resources (Australia and Canada), and in countries that were business friendly (Switzerland). My local broker also recommended some local natural resource stocks. As a result my portfolio increased by 20 percent, and I could clearly see the results of God’s continued provision. My retirement anxieties left, as I again experienced God’s specific guidance in my life.

Raymond E. Vath, MD

"And Again I Say Rejoice!"

2011-02-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow in maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet each other with Christian love. All of God’s people here send you their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

“I have always believed that a big laugh is really a loud noise from the soul saying, “Ain’t it the truth!” Quincy Jones

Why does the Bible keep telling us to be joyful? In Philippians it says, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.” Does telling us to be joyful make us joyful? I really don’t think it does. So why does the Bible keep telling us to be joyful?

I like the comedian, Bob Newhart and he once said, “Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it, and then move on.” Yes, I think we all would admit that we need laughter and joy―especially if we are going to experience revival in our worship at Washington Cathedral. But telling us we need it doesn’t mean we are going to experience it. I think it’s like telling us the sum of the problem before we work on the math project. “Grow in maturity, encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Now we are headed towards joy whether we like it or not- - - if we can grow up in our faith. We are not so judgmental- - - we are not pulled in by people with ego-agendas to control and cause division in the church which causes its people to be disillusioned. We have a sense of perspective that can only come from spiritual maturity. And what is spiritual maturity? It’s Christ-likeness- - - and it takes a lot of prayer and personal Bible study to reach for Christ-likeness. Prayer and personal Bible study keeps us away from the polluting influence of those smooth talkers with agendas. It makes us aware of what is from the Spirit of God and what is not. It fills us with harmony and peace while we focus on encouraging each other. That is a recipe for joy! Add some cinnamon, chocolate and nutmeg- - - No, I mean add some greetings from Christians with love, some grace, some fellowship with the Holy Spirit and you have invincible joy―a joy that is contagious―a joy that we all know we need, but don’t always know how to achieve.

“At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.” Jean Houston

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"God's Grace is Sufficient!"

2011-02-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

I love the phrase by Dr. Robert Schuler, “Tough times never last but tough people do!” Something about it just stirs my heart- - - it’s like I’m hearing from the head coach in the hardest part of the game! It rings of Vince Lombardi, Duck Daugherty or Keith Paine. It speaks to faith on the battlefield―the ability to bounce back from defeat; and persistence that comes from faith. The rare ingredient to never, ever, ever give up! The apostle Paul knew this kind of faith so this phrase is, in my opinion, the thesis statement of the two letters to Corinth. Paul had been beaten with a whip until he was nearly dead; stoned by a mob and the spectators thought he was dead; beaten with sticks; shipwrecked; bit by a poisonous snake; he was disrespected as an apostle; and despised as his leadership was undermined. But he could not lose heart!

How about you? Do you know that God’s grace is sufficient for you! That his power works best in weakness! Has he given you just a little strength and yet placed before you an open door, as the word says in the book of Revelation? Then say it out loud so everyone can hear it- - - speak it in faith to God- - - say it with a growl so your loved ones will remember this is a part of your personality!

“Tough times never last but tough people do!!!”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Do Not Be Afraid!"

2011-02-01T12:42:00.001-08:00

“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.” Daniel 10:19

I had a very encouraging conversation with one of the incredible young men in our church over lunch the other day. This young man is a very committed husband and father of two small children. When I asked him why he wanted to meet for lunch, he said, “No reason. I was just feeling incredibly positive about the church and I wanted to get together to tell you that I believe this is a break-through time in the history of Washington Cathedral.” He went on to talk about his kids, his marriage, his business and his church with heroic devotion. Little did he know how much I needed to hear his words that day! As I drove away from his office building I was praying, “God, does that young man know what he means to our whole church family and our community? What a privilege to be his pastor and friend! I wonder if he realizes that when a pastor goes to the hospital to visit someone, or counsels a troubled life in their office, or plans a community impacting event, it is because of people like him and their deep commitment.” Then I thought to myself, “Why didn’t I tell him all of this?” I began to think of several incredibly challenged individuals who were being ministered to that very day by our church and I started to tear up. I wonder if he has any idea of the impact of his life! And then I was glad I had not tried to tell him―I would have embarrassed myself with my deep emotion. In my eyes, this young family is nothing less than heroic! Without people and families like this there would not be a Washington Cathedral. They have been successful because they have refused to surrender leadership to discouragement, pessimism, opposition, criticism, or any other force. They only surrender leadership to God and they are being incredibly blessed because of it! In fact, they have become an incredible blessing!

This is what the prophet Daniel teaches us. He was going through a tough time, but he had one essential characteristic which set his path towards success. He refused to surrender the leadership of his life to any force other than God! Success, for the Christian, is finding and fulfilling God’s plan for their life. By that score Daniel was an outstanding success- - - and for you the word is the same! Do not be afraid, you are highly esteemed. Be peaceful, be strong now―when God speaks, you will be strengthened!!

Lord Jesus, I pray for all the believers, young and old that they would refuse to surrender leadership of their lives to any other force but you¾not to popularity, not to whims, not to over reactions, not to financial challenges, health challenges, personal discouragement, or to pressure! God give them a holy stubbornness to surrender leadership only to you, and thereby open their lives to blessings and to becoming a blessing.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"The Next Generation!"

2011-01-27T16:22:00.000-08:00

“In the last days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2:17

I love to be a part of a church that is for everyone. Young and old, rich and poor, successful and those who are struggling, male and female, grandparents and children, students and singles, liberal and conservative―all people who are united by our love for Jesus Christ and our passion to build a great caring network to make a difference in this world.

Let me make sure that you are aware of some of the outstanding young leaders in our church. I should have formally introduced them to you a long time ago because some have been asking who these people are.

I think everyone knows Travis Graham our praise leader. Travis is a lead singer for one of the top bands in our area “New Heights,” yes they are the one that has been written about in the press and Travis noted that he works at Washington Cathedral. Travis leads praise along with Rhonda and her team at the Saturday night worship service Boulder Creek Congregation. He also leads praise at the 9am service along with Rhonda at the Cathedral at the Falls Congregation; he leads praise at the Mountainside Congregation at 11am with Pastor Naomi and M.A.J.E.S.T.Y. Creative Arts; and- - - he also leads 30 minutes of cutting-edge praise at the Rooted Congregation at 6pm Sunday nights. He is one of the lead pastors of this exciting new congregation. Travis has a heart for the Lord and it is a privilege to work with him.

Gigi Bresolin is a junior at Northwest University and she is majoring in ministry. She is our intern-pastor leading the Junior High Ministry. She has a great team of young people working with her and we are so blessed to have her as a part of our church family. Keep her in prayer as a full-time student and a young person who really has a heart for junior high kids. She volunteers an amazing amount of hours listening to, caring for, and ministering to junior highers.

Another new young leader in our church is young man you can’t miss because he is six foot seven inches tall. Benjamin Smokovich came to our church through the Brazilian Congregation. He is a former professional basketball player and is helping to organize a men’s league on Monday nights. Ben was a missionary with Youth with a Mission and went through all their discipleship training and leadership training before serving as a missionary to India after the tsunami. While living in the City of God slum in Rio Ben becoming fluent in Portuguese- - - he is also fluent in German, Spanish, and English. Ben is working with our youth ministries as he has a heart for young people. He also is a part of the web team as he is going to school to complete his degree in computer forensics. His is passionate about the meta church because that is what brought him here; and he is volunteering his time to bring a greater degree of community between our different ethnic congregations.

There are many more young people on the rise at Washington Cathedral. The Esperanza Congregation is mainly young people and their potential is exciting. The Videira Brazilian Congregation is also exploding in growth mainly with young people who are quickly becoming radically committed to Jesus Christ and you might have noticed that the ever growing St. Georges Coptic Church is full of young professional families. The Pacific Islander group is also an amazing work of God with young future leaders of Washington Cathedral.

Last week we hit a high-point in our youth ministry attendance as we are seeing more and more future world changers come to our church and bring their families. It is exciting time to pray for the next generation and how God will use them.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

The End… or New Beginning!

2011-01-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

To come to the end of oneself and to realize that there is nothing left to hang onto. The ‘willfulness’ that got me this far, has run out. Circumstances have pushed me to a place up against a wall; the very place of miracle and rebirth. To know that all my running and planning is at an end. To turn my heart, mind and will over to the care of my Father who has been waiting patiently for me to reach the end of myself.

We saw it in the lives of Peter and Paul and others who finally ‘got it’ no more running or working off one’s own agenda. To be truly God’s person you have to come to the end of yourself. Oswald Chambers addressed it in today’s devotion as:

“All our promises and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to accomplish them. When we come to the end of ourselves, not just mentally but completely, we are able to receive the Holy Spirit. The idea is that of invasion…”

There is now only one who directs the course of my life. Now that I am finally in that place I never want to leave it. My direction, purpose and will are centered outside of myself and upon Jesus and what He would have me do.

When I look back to the places of worry, fear, angst, planning and coercion that I lived in, I marvel at how He has brought me out of it and to this place of acceptance. Not an easy road to be sure, but one that- - - step-by-step and doing the next right thing- - - brought me to this place.
I thank You my Father for the miracle of coming to the end of myself and finding You there waiting to hear those words that only I can say “whatever it takes.” You put me on a better path from that moment on. You are dependable, trustworthy and true to all that you have promised. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Be with all those I love and use their circumstances to bring them to the end of themselves and to the place where they will find you there waiting. That is the greatest miracle in anyone’s life that we could ask for. Be with us all in this New Year with its changes, pain, problems, angst and also Joy. Help us to share with each other your faithfulness in all our circumstances so that others come to the place of relinquishment and total trust in you. Amen

Fiona Monaghan

Transport to New Worlds

2011-01-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we underestimate the advantages our children possess by something as simple as strapping them into the car and taking them with us to the grocery store.The children of AFE (a school Washington Cathedral supports in Honduras) do not have that advantage. They come from a small world that they cannot see past the garbage dump or the ends at their neighborhoods. The younger children do not recognize that they live in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Nor have they traveled downtown to see the beautiful remnants of colonial architecture or the brightly colored signs of fast-food chains signaling a larger world of international commerce exists. I always enjoy watching the children take their first step on an escalator when we bring them to the airport to pick up teams. It is a frightening thing to get on a moving staircase and to feel so out of control of your location. We often cause a bit of an uproar as we attempt to travel up to the second level.These experiences are priceless. They give the children vision; they learn that there is more to life than the garbage dump community. They see people working in other professions, they visit places that are kept clean of trash, and they begin to dream.

Thanks to Washington Cathedral and all who participated in its “Fiesta de Milagros” auction, the children of AFE will be able to travel outside of their dump community much more frequently now. We have purchased a 15 passenger van (roughly 30 Honduran-passenger), which will serve to take classes on field trips. Trips to museums, the zoo, and the universities are planned. The more we can get AFE’s children out into “normal” society, the more they will feel comfortable and become socialized for something more than dump-life.

The van will transport visiting teams as well, though we plan to continue charging a small transportation fee to cover yearly maintenance.We are excited about the possibilities in store, thanks to all who have given so generously! If you would like to participate in the "Fiesta de Milagros" this year, please contact linda.skinner@wacathedral.org.

Pastor Elise Diaz, Together for Transformation

"Finding God's Plan for Your 2011!"

2011-01-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

Jesus Christ Is God’s ultimate yes!

2 Corinthians 1:19

A generation ago, a very devout missionary to India by the name of E. Stanley Jones wrote a life-changing book while he was in his 80s. The book was called The Divine Yes! It touched so many people. It was quoted by Billy Graham, Bill Bright, Robert Schuller, Norman Vincent Peale, Oral Roberts, and Pat Robertson. And my grandfather Rev. Floyd White had the chance to meet E. Stanley Jones in Tacoma, Washington at Puget Sound University and attend his School of the Prophets. It had a profound impact on Grandpa’s life. E. Stanley Jones had been a friend to Mahatma Gandhi, but he was most famous for being a follower of Jesus Christ in such an authentic way that it impacted a whole generation.

We as a church are involved in a life-changing study of 1 and 2 Corinthians. We are expecting a revolution in our understanding of love, worship, spiritual gifts (and how we use them in the church), and skills for having a heart that finds God’s plan for the complexities of 2011. I love the passage in 2 Corinthians 1:19-22 “For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between ‘Yes’ and ‘No.’ He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate ‘Yes!’ And through Christ, our ‘Amen’ (which means ‘Yes’) ascends to God for his glory. It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.”

That just thrills my heart to hear that. It warms my soul like some of my mom’s homemade potato soup. Am I the only one that is revived when I hear those verses? In this negative age of cynicism and despair it seems so doggone positive to see our job is really pretty clear―not simple or easy, but clear. Say “Yes” to God by following Jesus Christ- - - and if a whole church has that attitude- - - then watch out world!

I believe our church is on the edge of a “Brazilian style” revival! And we are all not only going to be blessed by it- - - we are going to become a huge blessing to our community because of it!

“Humility is a magnet for the Holy Spirit.” Rick Warren

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Dr. Tim White

Christmas at the Cathedral - Relying on Christmas Miracles

2010-12-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

“I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ” Galatians 3:5

I love all things Christmas! I love the lights sparkling in the trees, the songs, the decorations, the movies (yes, I had to watch A Christmas Story for probably the 20th time and I still laughed out loud at the part when Ralphie has to wear the pink bunny suit from his Aunt Claire). Most of all, however, I love the activities at our church. For 26 years now I have been celebrating Christmas with my Washington Cathedral church family and every year it gets better and better.

Every Christmas it takes a series of miracles to make everything happen and every Christmas it seems that God enables us to pull off the impossible. This year was no exception! It started with our Santa Conspiracy. Every year people of our church dress up like Santa or his helpers and go to hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers and group family homes to deliver a little Christmas cheer in the form of a stuffed teddy bear or cuddly animal. In order to meet the needs of all the facilities we need approximately 5,000 bears. When all the bears were counted one week prior to “Santa Day” we needed 1,900 more bears to meet our goal. We sent out the cry, “We need 1900 more bears” and miraculously on the Saturday before the Santa Conspiracy bears started pouring in! And by the time we had finished counting them on Sunday night - we not only had enough bears, but we had about 200 bears left over to use next year!

Next was the Christmas Drama. This year’s Glory of Christmas Drama was a tremendous success. Over 800 people showed up to witness our efforts in telling the Christmas Story in a new and compelling way. I have worked with Pastor Naomi for several years in pulling these off. My job is to help recruit cast members, get them into appropriate costumes, and try to get them to the right place at the right time. Her job is to pull the music and drama together into one cohesive unit and work out all the other details (a mammoth job!). Both of us are trying to put wheels on Pastor Dale’s vision for the story we are trying to tell. This year, at the last dress rehearsal we both looked at one another and said “It’s going to take a huge miracle to pull this one off!” We had key people getting sick, we didn’t have coverage on some key technical and backstage roles, and we never got to do a full run through on the entire program. But for some reason, when it came to Thursday night, we both seemed to have a peace about things . . . or maybe it was numbness!? Anyway, it couldn’t have been better. Things just rolled right along without any kind of glitch. All the musicians, actors, stage hands, and technical people showed up and every spot was filled. The program was our best ever and Naomi and I said to one another, “Praise God for miracles!”

Of course, my favorite service of the year is the one on Christmas Eve. We have a long-standing tradition of (I think) one of the most beautiful Christmas Eve Services I’ve ever been to. Spirit Falls Sanctuary just sparkles on Christmas Eve. It is like the building knows it has a very important story to tell that night. One of the highlights of every Christmas Eve is having a ballerina dance to “O Holy Night” (this year was sung once again by Rhonda Jones). The key to that element of the night is actually having a ballerina to dance. Pastor Naomi and I both made several calls to people we knew to no avail. So I began calling dance schools. I called the University of Washington dance school and the lady who answered the phone said that she’d be happy to send out an email, but I better not count on a response because most of the students were gone home for Christmas break. I thanked her for agreeing to send out the email and hung up the phone thinking, “Another dead end.” To my surprise and joy, the next morning at 8 am I received a phone message from a young lady who said she just got the email and wanted more information. When I got back to her and she told me about her experience and qualifications―I immediately knew that God had pulled it off again. Not only was she a wonderful dancer, but she was so excited about dancing at a church on Christmas Eve. She said her family was in the south area and that she’d be honored to dance for both the 6 and 11pm services. If you were able to be here for Christmas Eve, you saw what a beautiful, creative dancer she is. But what you wouldn’t have seen is her beautiful heart for the Lord. She danced with feeling because she believed every word that Rhonda was singing. Her mother came to both services and watched her daughter dance. I couldn’t help but glance over at her face and I don’t think any parent could be more proud than she was at that moment. They both loved Washington Cathedral and thanked us for giving them the opportunity to spend Christmas Eve with our church.

Christmas is over now and as I think back on all the things that happened, I thank God that I am in a church were “We not only believe in miracles- - - we rely on them!” I thank God for all the people who let their lives be used to tell the story and I thank God for the opportunity in this coming year to witness more of the same.

Blessings to you all!!

Pastor Linda Skinner

"The Glory of Christmas!"

2010-12-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.Isaiah 9:2

Over the past two months, families in our church have been giving hours of their time learning songs and lines. For weeks the atrium of the ReCreation Center has been packed with parents waiting for their kids who are practicing for the Christmas play. Why are they doing this at the busiest time of the year? One dad told me, “Because this is what Christmas is all about!”

For 26 years our church has been telling the story of Christmas through music, drama, dancing, and preaching. We’ve transformed high school gyms, VFW halls, senior centers, and barns to tell the story. I can’t begin to count the number of volunteer hours that have gone into building sets, sewing costumes, taking flyers door to door, baking cookies, folding bulletins, labeling envelopes, cutting down trees. . . the list goes on and on. Why? I think if you asked anyone they’d say, “Because this is what Christmas is all about!”

This year our theme for Christmas is “Let’s Share the Light.” That’s what we have been doing all December in each of our services and that’s what we are doing on Thursday and Friday night.

Thursday night’s Glory of Christmas drama is entitled “One Candle Can Light the World” and will be at 7:30 pm in Mountainside Sanctuary. This beautiful dramatic depiction of the glory and wonder of the first Christmas will fill you with Christmas joy. Before the drama you’ll enjoy Christmas carols with the choir, and a heartwarming children’s drama entitled “What’s a Nativity?” (What would Christmas be without kids singing and acting?) Afterwards, there will be homemade Christmas cookies, hot cider and coffee waiting for you in the Library.

Friday night, Christmas Eve, we have two beautiful worship services in our Spirit Falls Sanctuary at 6pm and 11pm. As you enter you’ll notice the waterfall in all its beauty and immediately you’ll hear the beautiful harp being played by Diane Chattin. As is our tradition, we will sing Christmas carols, enjoy a ballerina dancing to Rhonda’s “O Holy Night”, Travis will share a new Christmas song he wrote, the choir will sing about joy, and the little cherub ballerina’s will bless us. And of course, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and Kings will dramatically tell the story in our traditional style of a live nativity. I will share a wonderful inspiring message of hope and candles will be lit as we sing Silent Night. The service will end with an invitation to communion. What a way to prepare for Christmas!!!

Please join us this Christmas. We have a light to share with you! Bring your friends, family and neighbors. They will thank you . . . “Because this is what Christmas is all about!”

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Tim White

"Share the Light!"

2010-12-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Washington Cathedral 2010

4 Astonishing Miracles Now
And One Memory Moment!

You can choose your own miracle
and "Share the Light!"

One - “My Jesus Christmas Gift”
Nothing else makes much sense about Christmas, but with my Jesus gift everything else can make joyous sense! “They opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.” Mat 2:11

A Cathedral tradition―all of us, individuals and/or families, bring our special “Christmas bank” is the very heart and essence of Christmas worship. Any Christmas Sunday and especially Christmas Eve you may leave your “Jesus Christmas gift” on the altar.

Two - “The Miracle of the Gray Curtain”
Nothing is sadder than people in nursing and retirement homes who have lost the ability to experience personal love and joy at Christmas. Washington Cathedral’s “Santa Conspiracy” proves to be again and again, a psychiatric and spiritual breakthrough (at least for a few minutes) for hundreds of terribly lonely people.

Three - “The Three Sundays of Christmas at the Cathedral”
(December 5th, 12th & 19th)
Each of these Sundays are carefully designed as a “Christmas Bursts in Beauty” experience. If you can only make one you won’t miss the glory, but the three will focus more and more our hearts! Different amazing children’s groups will guarantee this miracle.

Four - “The Glory of Christmas Drama” 7:30pm ~ December 23rd
Will reignite and reprogram all of our hearts so the glow of Christmas will last for a lifetime! Christmas Eve Family Communion is a short, sweet, precious church family tradition. (6pm or 11pm)

Dr. Dale Caleb White

"MERRY CHRISTMAS - - - IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS!"

2010-12-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season is upon us again, with its wonderful sounds and smells -- and parties, family get-togethers, shopping, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, concerts, pageants, decorating and singing Christmas carols, etc. etc. It's a busy time of year and we tend to wear ourselves out! And it comes around every year, and we celebrate!

But whatever happened to that “Silent night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright. Christ the Savior is born!”?

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them."Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord! This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14)

Let us remember that it's all about JESUS, who came to earth as a little baby to save us from our sins. That's why we celebrate! Let's keep Him central in all our preparations and celebrations leading up to Christmas and remember the real “Reason for the Season” - it's JESUS! Take some quiet time to remember and celebrate our wonderful Savior. He is worthy of all our adoration and praise. HALLELUJAH! And a Merry Christmas!!

Pastor Marilyn Biggs

It's Christmas at the Cathedral. . . Let's

2010-11-24T15:59:00.000-08:00

“Share the Light!”

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. Look and see, for everyone is coming home! . . . Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy.”

Isaiah 60:1-5

Dear Friends,

Being a part of a kid’s Christmas Pageant is one of the biggest, warmest points in any child’s faith. It’s the kind of thing that builds memories for a lifetime. Last Sunday, several of our Washington Cathedral young people stopped me at the door to ask if they could be a part of the Christmas pageant this year. I said, “Well, we’ll have to wait and see.” One little girl responded back to me, “Well, you’re the big cheese; can't you put in a good word for me?” People call pastors a lot of things - priests - reverends, but seldom are we called “the big cheese.” But yes, this year we as a staff decided that every child should get take part in a Christmas program. Our church has a long standing tradition that “people attend once a year or every Sunday.” And at Christmas we are always happy when we get to welcome people home with open arms. So regardless of your busy schedule, there ought to be some time that will work for your kids to be a part of a Christmas program. And if they can be here for the 23rd (our one-hour Christmas Pageant) then what a blessing that will be for everyone!

Yes, it’s Christmas season at the Cathedral! I am here on Tuesday morning and I can't tell you how beautiful the Spirit Falls Chapel and the Randy & Rod Halvorson ReCreation Center look with the glistening snow covering them (and the entire campus). A few of us made it in. Bob Baird is setting up a Christmas tree lot (which will be ready soon after Thanksgiving); plans are being made for our church Christmas decorations (all done by volunteers with Christmas Spirit); and the services this year will be warm, spirit-filled and sparkling with Christmas!

Starting December 5th we will have a Christmas Children’s programs every weekend as a part of the service. And- - - if you want your kids to be part of it then they are more than welcome. Different ages will be the focus of each weekend. We hope to have a bunch of kids at each of our services for each weekend!

Sunday, December 5th - The Cherubs! (2 & 3 year olds)
Sunday, December 12th - The Little Angles and Shepherds! (Infant through Kdg)
Sunday, December 19th - The Silent Nativity! (1st through 6th grade)
AND!!! ALL children get to be involved in The Kid’s Christmas Musical (a part of) “The Glory of Christmas” Pageant in Mountainside Sanctuary at 7:30pm on Thursday, December 23rd!

On Christmas Eve, December 24, at 6pm & 11pm, we will have an “old-style” Christmas Eve service in Spirit Falls Sanctuary concluding with a ballerina surrounded by tiny cherub dancers stealing the moment, reminding of us of the tiny cherub in each of us.

Please call my wife Jackie for more information 425-861-1375; she will be coordinating the children’s parts with Pastor Naomi, Jannette & Pastor Dale White.

It truly is going to be a very merry Christmas!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

P.S. Please invite family, friends and neighbors to any of these wonderful Christmas services. We plan to make each service a very special time for you to “Share the Light of Christmas.”

"Visualize With Me!"

2010-11-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

I have a dream. It’s a dream I’ve had for 35 years. It is not a dream about buildings or reaching a certain number of people, but rather it is a dream about the quality of our church. 35 years ago, when God gave me the dream of starting and building Washington Cathedral―a church that would become a pacesetting, great caring network; I could see a fantastic Thanksgiving Eve service. The Thanksgiving holiday is a wonderful time to celebrate all the blessings God has brought into our lives.

Join me as I visualize this year- - - the front of our sanctuary filled with grocery sacks of food for the less fortunate- - - food that will be given to needy families in our community. Now, visualize with me a beautiful candlelight service with the magnificent Spirit Falls waterfall in the background.

After the service I visualize every family getting together with friends, family and/or a family they hardly know- - - new friends- - - and enjoying dessert or a snack in one of their homes followed by games and fun. This can be an evening that will pull our children and families together- - - to be the church-family that we dream of.

Won’t you help make these visions and dreams come true for your family and for our church? Come and celebrate with your church family and be a part of the Candlelight Thanksgiving Eve Service―Wednesday, November 24th at 7pm in Spirit Falls Sanctuary. Bring sacks of groceries and bring your family and friends- - - and- - - prepare to make friendships that will last a lifetime!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

“Miracles Still Happen Today!”

2010-11-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Pastor Tim,

I need to tell you this story- - -

Almost 10 years ago, when I was living in WA, I did attend WA Cathedral regularly. We were also part of a TLC and joined a couple’s seminar. I then became really ill and it didn't look good for me at all. I was treated at UW for Pemphigus Vulgaris - a blistering auto-immune disease. At UW, they did allow me to disconnect from my IV medications and attend service. My husband picked me up at the hospital and we drove to Redmond for church. I even remember one time I felt so weak that I was lying on the pew.

There was one service that I attended during this time and you preached on, “Miracles Still Happen Today!” You were telling us that Jesus didn’t just perform miracles in the bible, but that he still performs miracles today. In our handout was a small card which read, “It would be a miracle if/when_____.” We were asked to complete the sentence. I wrote, “It would be a miracle if I would become healthy again and would be able to have a child.” (Most of the medications that I had been taking would not allow me to get pregnant, or would reduce the chances of ever getting pregnant). We put all the small cards on the wall at the back of the church and gather there to pray over these cards for the next four weeks.

Well… I stopped taking medications in 2004 and I have not had a single blister since. On Thanksgiving Day of 2008 Markus was born and we are enjoying our days together. I moved back to Germany after I separated from my husband (otherwise I would stop by to tell you this story in person.) Feel free to tell this story as often as you like - I share it here in Germany. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

Have a wonderful day,

Carolin

"If I don't bless you - - - it makes God sad!"

2010-11-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Ephesians Chapter 4, which happened to be the Cathedral Small Group Study passage, is so practical it- - - actually hurts or helps!

Speaking of the church, so in other words our Washington Cathedral family- - - Eph 4:16 plainly tells us our job is to build each other up in love.

"And if we don't or won't- - -
encourage each other
it makes God sad!"

The Bible plainly says it makes God sad! The exact scriptural wording is, "It grieves the Holy Spirit!" (See Eph 4:30) Wow!! That sounds severe- - - obviously it is a very serious matter, but the answer is simple and extremely wonderful- - - "It's our job to bless and encourage each other."

Please note this is not something we are to step aside and let God do, but this is clearly something that God wants to do through us, "Builds itself up in love." (Eph 4:15)

It's like God gets big tears in His eyes if we miss a chance to encourage each other!

It's a serious, wonderful thing- - - who will God assign to you this week to bless and encourage??? And if you do it! God will smile on you!!- - - And that's good!- - - In fact that's very good!!!

Pastor Dale Caleb White

Hipster Faith!

2010-10-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

In September there was an article in Christianity Today entitled “Hipster Faith, When Cool Meets Christ.” Listen to this dialogue.

And do not grieve the Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:27

"Imagine, if you can, a Christian movement mostly designed by believers under age 40. They are concerned that their parent’s faith is too fundamentalist, culturally backward, anti-intellectual, and obsessed with dispensational end-times theology. The fundamentalists may have decent theology in many areas, say these Christians, but seem unconcerned about the poor and other social injustices; and mobilize politically on only one or two moral issues. If only we demonstrated Christ's love more, we would not only find more people drawn to Jesus, Christianity would also be much more culturally acceptable. That, more or less defines the neo-evangelical movement of Carl F.H. Henry, Richard Halvorson, Ken Taylor, Billy Graham, and Harold Ockenga in the late 1940's. Today's "Hipster Christianity" may be less a rejection of the evangelical movement than an echo of Henry's, “The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism." September Issue of Christianity Today (pg13)

Last Sunday night I preached at the Rooted Congregation. It was awesome. The music was cool, the testimony by a young male leader was… well, it knocked my socks off! The fellowship was hip. The only thing not cool at this service was me. I once lost my cool when my daughter Elise was a newborn and my football buddies caught me wearing a burp cloth, but I preached wearing a cool hat. Man that hat really did a great job that night of delivering the sermon.

I love every young person at that service. I pray for them weekly. They are really good people. Every so often a not so young person comes, but everyone is so cool – it’s just cool! I guess if I asked someone from the service they would not like me describing it as cool, but the article in Christianity Today reminded me of them. It defined the “Hipsters” as different from: The Jesus People, The Emergent Church, the Proto-Indie Folkies, and the Christian Surf Punk Scene. Brett McCracken’s “Hipster Faith” draws a line from the Jesus movement of the 60s and 70s through countercultural streets to the “Hipster Faith.” I for one am glad that the Rooted Congregation that started in the summer of 2010 is flourishing. When I pray for them I have great hopes. They are a new generation. Like any new service the attendance goes up and down but the spirit is always up. Sometimes that service’s offering is bigger than any other. Most times their jokes are the right up there with any congregation in the church. Their communion is sweet and it feels like they are going to change the world.

Do the whole world a favor and pray for the youth ministries, the Rooted Congregation and for those that are stepping out as leaders that God will mightily bless their lives.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Please Hold Me Tight!"

2010-10-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

A 3 Week Seminar

Cross-centered therapy towards greatness in marriage!

Suppose that we start at the beginning and assume that "God is Love" and He waits to teach us how we can be fully human and fully alive in a dynamic, sacred relationship we call marriage!
If it was God who invented sex, butterflies, sunshine and snicker bars; perhaps His plan for marriage is a continual healing celebration that works from the inside out!

What if it can only happen when we dare to be spiritual children, constantly open to "changing and becoming" as he taught us?

Pastors, Dr. Tim white will kick off this series on Wednesday nights at 7pm at "The Source". Pastor, Dr. Dale White, with some specially invited guests, will continue this "Building Great Marriage" seminar for the next 3 Wednesday nights at 7pm (October 27th, November 3rd & 10th).

This extremely joyful, extremely practical, extremely frank seminar, Pastor Dale calls "Please Hold Me Tight!"

Dr. Dale White will be quoting extensively from Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and his shockingly wonderful book "Kosher Sex." Expect extensive quotes from Dr. Sue Johnson's amazing book "Hold Me Tight" and Dr. John Gottman's "Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work."

Dr. Dale Caleb White

"New Babies Come to AFE"

2010-10-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17

They toddle in and wait in line for a hug and a kiss from Jessy, the directora. The come with snotty noses and carrying bags of coca cola, which is quickly snatched away and a bottle of milk put in its place. These are the babies of AFE, who play quietly and sweetly, until snacks emerge; then searching eyes and outstretched hands wait patiently. Rarely is a tear shed, never a fuss made, they are content in their brightly painted room, with their brothers and sisters, and the kind women who take care of their every need. They are the future students of AFE.
If they were not here, in the comfortable cribs of AFE’s nursery, they would be stored in cardboard boxes in the garbage dumps or cared for by nine-year olds in garbage-strewn shacks.

Recently, three new charges joined the ranks in the Guaderia, making the total number of babies cared for at AFE nine. Jose Dario, Dulce Maria, and Iris are younger siblings of a kindergartener at AFE, and only God knows their ages. Their mother, who works in the garbage dump all day, every day, gave birth to her children in her home. As soon as it was physically possible, she had another baby. And then another. She couldn’t care for them. A nine-year old, who looks like a six-year old, babysat all three. They would lie on a bed together instead of learning to crawl because the child couldn’t hold all three.

Since these children were not born in a hospital, there is no record of their birth. Neither is there a record of their mother’s birth. The world does not know about them, but God does. And God created them for a purpose. Now that the three babies are at AFE receiving milk and nutritious, age-appropriate foods, they have a chance at a normal life. And AFE accepted them with the stipulation that the mother would need to take precautions to avoid giving birth to more children than she can handle. Jose Dario, Iris and Dulce Maria are being immunized and receiving proper sleep and care. Who knows what these children will become or how God will use them! Perhaps, they will become influencers and leaders in Honduran society, righting many of the wrongs we see today.

Dr. Rey & Elise Diaz
Lead Pastor & Chief Cultural Architect & President of Together for Transformation

"A Gentle Conversation"

2010-10-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

He didn’t think I saw the tears, but I did just for an instant; then they were gone as he pawed clumsily at his lock of red hair. When you’re a 19 year old boy, crying in front of an adult is the ultimate in humiliation. “I think everyone I used to know hates me because I decided to stop trying to pretend I was a Christian.” The words flew at me like stinger bees. I felt each one hit their mark. Emotionally, I was devastated. This was a kid I had grown to love over the years. He had grown up in a church (not Washington Cathedral) and had spent several years serving in a variety of capacities. He’d been through that denomination’s youth program designed to bring kids to a point of acceptance of Jesus. He’d actually done that, accepted Jesus, and, in his own words: “Jesus was about my only friend all through high school. I talked with Him regularly, told Him all my struggles, but I never really heard back from Him.”

Then, it seems he started asking questions and that’s when the trouble began. “My few friends drifted away from me because they didn’t like the questions I was asking. My Pastors couldn’t explain anything that made any sense to me. My parents were no help. And now, the people I thought I could count on, my aunts, uncles, cousins, all of them Christians, don’t want anything to do with me.” At that point, he stopped the futile wiping of his eyes because the tears were coming too fast. All I could do was hug him and assure him that others, like me, loved him and would never reject him because of his questions. We had a very long conversation that evening and I went to bed feeling more powerless and sad than I had in a long time.

Here was a struggling young man on the cusp of adulthood, wanting some answers and sincerely seeking the Truth and yet his closest circle gave him nothing but a sense of rejection and, in his words “hate.”

Dear God! When are we, as Christians, going to stop withdrawing, judging and refusing to help those who ask the difficult questions? When are we going to reach out in love and, with the grace that we have so generously received, welcome the earnest seeker? What are we afraid of? Don’t we have a testimony? Didn’t Christ set us free? Can’t we share our story? Scripture urges us to “be prepared…..” Are we? If not, let’s get prepared. Let’s make sure our testimony is less than 24 hours old. Let’s re-read Psalms 103 and reclaim “all our benefits.” Let’s have a serious conversation with our Holy Spirit and ask Him for opportunities to share what we know as Truth with others. People are dying spiritually out there. Let’s be ready to offer true sustenance.

One way to do that is to get involved in one of the many opportunities to dig more deeply into God’s word through a TLC, WOW, Men’s Ministries or Wednesday night’s “The Source.” Your own personal searching will also yield a rich reward. We have the Holy Spirit as our ultimate Teacher, after all.

Let’s try to not let one person who comes onto our campus feel rejection because we haven’t engaged them in conversation and probed some of the deeper questions of our faith with them.

Pastor Sally Jo Holmes

"Doing Life Together!- - - Mountainside!!!"

2010-09-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

When Jackie and I were in Honduras, the staff of the AFE School had written on the back wall of the cafeteria the inspirational phrase, “God has not forgotten!” I think they took it from Psalms 9:18, but I could not get that phrase out of my mind. In fact- - - I still can't!

Last week was a wonderful week at Washington Cathedral as our ReCreation Center was full of pastors from all over the world who had come to learn more about leading small groups in the church. I met pastors from Norway, Hawaii, Alaska, and even Tacoma. Many of them became friends and invited me to come and visit their church sometime. They were very interested in what God is doing at Washington Cathedral. I say this because it was just another reminder for our leadership that God is very interested in what He is doing at Washington Cathedral! And no pastor could be more proud of a congregation and its leaders than I was last weekend! It was an amazing experience - - - with hundreds of volunteers from Washington Cathedral; driving shuttles, greeting, selling material, providing meals, running sound and projection, ushering, giving tours, registering people, and answering questions. No one would have guessed that this was the second of three big weekends in a row here at Washington Cathedral. In fact, the winning attitude around here overflowed onto the Seattle Seahawks and they pulled off an amazing upset over the San Diego chargers! (I’m reading Pete Carroll’s book, Win Forever, and he keeps talking about a contagious positive attitude - so I dropped that little humorless joke in there.)

But there really was excitement around our church for all of those who were tempted to start a revolutionary TLC group and to make the 9 week commitment to this wonderful dream. What is the worst that can happen - it doesn't work and you know that you tried. How often do you get to try an impossible dream where even if you fail your failure is a success? And I don’t think you will fail; I think your whole life will be blessed as you watch God surprise you with success. You will leave this experience knowing that God has not forgotten you or his needy people. If you have any questions please give me a call.

If you don't want to start a group - why not join one? We are studying, “Doing Life Together”- - - Mountainside!!!- - - Connecting with God's family!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

The “International Friendship Festival” was an amazing success!

2010-09-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

What the mind of man can conceive- - - God can achieve! I looked around the room to visit with people that no one was visiting. There were people from so many ethnic backgrounds―all laughing and smiling even though many of them did not speak the same language. I spoke with a very athletic young man (not knowing what country he was from) and he told me that he was Brazilian. He said that he has not yet gone to our Videira Congregation, but he knew that someday he would and he was probably going to become a Christian. He spoke with a beautiful accent and a smile on his face as he told me about coming to the ReCreation Center to play soccer and basketball. He said, “I know that God likes this church and what you are doing―especially this big picnic. I can feel God here―yes; I will soon be a Christian.”

That made my day! And I received notes from some of the kids who colored pictures for me during the service (many of the kids color pictures to keep themselves entertained while I am talking). Some showed me with a huge mouth - others were really good artists, but I look best drawn as a stick man. They said things like, “You are a good speacher!” “Pastor Tim you work hard and our family loves you!” One said, “You are funny!” (I really like that intelligent kid.) Another said, “I think your eyes tell me that you are nice and thank you for telling my family about Jesus. I am a guest.”

What a great Sunday of friendship and celebration! At 9am we heard a great sermon by Pastor Linda at the Cathedral at the Falls Congregation and the music of 11am’s Mountainside Congregation was unforgettable. At the end of the day, after visiting the Rooted Congregation and hearing a great message by Dr. Doug and Lori Wheeler, Jackie and I returned home. Just yesterday we had been in Honduras and saw the incredible work that the church is doing there. We sat back, lifted our feet and said, “What a day!” I think I said, “Have we ever had 24 hours that was so life-affirming, so encouraging, so Christ full as the last 24 hours?” Jackie said, “I don't know - I am too tired to tell.”

I want to thank everyone who made the International Friendship Festival one of the greatest successes in the history of Washington Cathedral!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"International Friendship Festival!"

2010-09-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walkedup to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” 1 Kings 18:36-37

Sunday, September 19th at 11am in the Mountainside Sanctuary – I believe that fire is going to drop from heaven and we are going to have a life-changing, church-transforming, and community-impacting worship experience! There is so much fragmentation and division among people groups today. Not only as different faith and cultures battle it out, but even within individual faiths and cultures there is conflict. I believe at this time in the history of Washington Cathedral there is nothing more important than a service where we focus on the unity of the Body of Christ. That was what Pentecost was all about! The Holy Spirit descended on different groups that all spoke one language and became one family.

I know that people are very busy this time of year, but God has given us a simple plan, “Each one bring one!” Who has God laid on your heart that needs to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ displayed in a powerful way? Who would love to come with you to such an inspiring service and then join in on the best international potluck the Pacific Northwest has ever experienced at 2pm? Would you dare and make the phone call or start the conversation to bring them with you on September 19th so that we can all see amiracle take place?

If I or Washington Cathedral have ever been there for you… please be there for us on this day! We arepraying for fire to drop from heaven and that God would give our church the unity that He intended for the family of God. With a “meta church” and so many different congregations, we need the miracle of the high priestly prayer of Christ―that people would know we are Christians by our love… that we really would love one another. Your presence at this event (and if you can bring a friend) will be a miracle in our book. Also, remember to cook your best recipe from your cultural background with enough to feed a couple other families so that we can witness an amazing feeding of the 5,000 at our 2pm international potluck. It is going to be a great day―a day of miracles and we need your help!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Heart Smart!"

2010-09-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

Health Resource Center “Heart Smart” Cardiovascular Screening October 9th, 2010

Be smart and get a “Heart Smart” check up at Washington Cathedral on Saturday, October 9th. A comprehensive cardiovascular screening will be offered by the Health Resource Center (HRC) from 10am to 4pm in the new Washington Cathedral ReCreation Center. This event is open to all Washington Cathedral congregations and the surrounding communities; and will be conducted by Dr. Paul Huang, Cardiologist, Vice President of the HRC, and Medical Director of Swedish Heart and Vascular Clinic and professional medical technicians.

A wide range of cardiovascular screenings will be available to check key vital signs to detect irregular or cautionary symptoms that might warrant more extensive diagnosis and care. With only minor exceptions, all the screenings are free. The screening processes will include:

Medical history questionnaire and review

Check of vital signs to include body mass index, blood pressure, pulse and a brief physical exam

Therapeutic lifestyle change counseling for those under 50 years old

Electrocardiography for those 50 years and older with no previous ECG in the last 2 years

Echocardiogram to check for abnormal heart sounds and abnormal ECG

Carotid ultrasound scanning for those over 55 with abnormal heart symptoms and anyone over 65

Abdominal aortic aneurysm for those over 60 with any of the following characteristics: smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol or comparable family history

Ankle-brachial index for those experiencing aching calves while walking and over 60 who smoke and have diabetes or high cholesterol

The screenings will be conducted in the library and nursery areas of the ReCreation Center at Washington Cathedral. Questions should be directed to Erskine Austin, Executive Director of the Health Resource Center; a non-profit foundation of Washington Cathedral at 425-531-0521 or erskine.austin@comcast.net.

"Another of God's Surprises!"

2010-08-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” 1 Kings 18:36b

I could not sleep. We were leaving at 6am to drop Ben and Becca at SeaTac to fly to New Jersey. The McCary family was going to meet early at our house for prayer. So at 4am I woke up, sat by the stove, and had a cup of sleepy time tea. Up the stairs came my youngest daughter dressed for school. She said, something like this, “Do I look ready to go to Princeton?” To me she looked just like she did the first day of preschool. We always took “first day of school” pictures of our kids on our back deck. Time goes so fast.

Becca never set a goal to go to Princeton or to win a scholarship - it was just one of those miracles that happened for her and Ben from the very throne of God. Nobody guessed that they would get married after growing up in the same church. It was just another surprise by a God who loves to surprise us. What a joy to pick your daughter’s husband and their family. (Well, we didn't pick- - - but we delighted in the pick!) We never dreamed that a Presbyterian church would hire both of them and the Senior Pastor would pick them up at the airport and have them spend the first night at their house. It was just yet another of God's surprises. Jackie and Becca cried when they hugged and Ben and I made a hug look really clumsy, but when I hugged my baby girl―well she was still my baby girl. People often tell me they are afraid of their kids growing up. I tell them it goes fast and it’s sad to leave each stage, but it just keeps getting better- - -another of God's surprises!

Can you image how surprised everyone was when fire dropped from heaven after Elijah’s prayer? It must have made even Elijah tremble!

Here is my devotion for you today, “Why not trust God - walk with him - stick your neck out for him and put your life in a place to be surprised by his mighty love?” To me it is like having a fish line in the water waiting for a bite. You never know what God is going to do! So- - - apply for the new job, launch the new business, love your kids - God's way! Build your life on your hopes and wait on the Lord.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"God is at Work!"

2010-08-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

WOW God has been working hard! Hi, Pastor Tim... I’m not sure if you remember me... my name is (anonymous). I had a baby girl August 31, 2003 you dedicated her to Jesus and I was baptized the same day. I sat in the front right of the sanctuary all the time. I was married to a Hispanic man and I moved to Mexico with him shortly after the baby was born. We are now divorced. I married again - to a Christian man - July 18th 2009. He is a police officer in Myrtle Point Oregon. He leads worship at church. We just had a baby (that's number two for me). I've been up all night finding songs for worship and out of the blue thought of all the amazing people I was so blessed to have met when I attended Washington Cathedral. I was amazed at the blessing your community has now. I remember when the pool was just the dream and now it's God's work at hand!

What I learned there at Washington Cathedral carried me through my ugly divorce and abuse. My child and I fled Mexico to start over here in Oregon with my family. We almost died down there. I will always love my ex-husband, however his drinking became severe enough that we were locked in a bedroom and he would put food through the door for us to eat. He told me that I would never see my family again! I wish I was more open to you or the leaders there at Washington Cathedral. The abuse started while I was pregnant. I was seeing a pastor there for counsel, however I wasn't honest. Due to my pride I couldn't tell anyone what was happening behind closed doors at home. I have gone through a lot, but the memories, the compassion, and the worship at Washington Cathedral kept my head up.

I want to make a trip and visit some of my friends. (Name removed) has really given her life to the Lord. I brought her with me to church before I left for Mexico and she continued for a while then relocated to a different church and city. Her husband has also given his life to Jesus.

I hope to see you and Jackie sometime this year for a Sunday.

Anonymous
(Printed with author’s permission)

"God is Always Faithful!”

2010-08-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God―this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is―his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Romans 12:1-2

Every time I attend a camp at Washington Cathedral, whether winter or summer, I find that God is always faithful to reveal Himself. This year’s Junior High camp was no exception! Even as a leader I left feeling overwhelmed by His mercy and provision. Perhaps the most inspiring way I saw God working was through the very lives of the young men and women who attended; barriers were broken, love for God rekindled, and most importantly, they found Jesus in the midst of it all. To me, one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences at camp was the opportunity to pray with one of the girls her vow to remain pure until marriage. It’s experiences like these that make being a youth leader so wonderful; to know that even in a culture filled with negative influences, a young girl would be able to rise above it and declare Jesus as Lord of her life.

Also awe-inspiring, was witnessing my fellow leaders pouring their lives into loving the kids at camp. These leaders included Paul Cook, Dan Koster, Kelsey Robinson, Ken Hunt, Carla Prosch, Tara Roth, and Andy and Paula Erman. Even upon first glance, it’s clear that every individual has a special gift ordained specifically by God to reach the heart of a young man or woman that would have otherwise been left untouched. Yet among all of the spiritual gifts each leader has been blessed with, they all have one in common: the ability to show the unrelenting, all-surpassing love of Christ.

God continues to work wonders in Washington Cathedral’s student ministries, and I am blessed to be walking alongside these individuals through life’s struggles and triumphs.

In Christ,

Gigi Bresolin

Back To The Future!

2010-08-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

“Many people would define the ‘good life’ as one that’s free of pain, hardship and heartache. But I’ve learned that adversity is actually an opportunity. It’s a gift, though it may not look like it in the moment. The difficulties life throws at you can be a doorway to something better―something you hadn’t even dreamed was possible.”
Drew Brees, MVP of the 2010 Super Bowl

All things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes.

Romans 8:28

I guess it took 55 years for me to learn that life is best lived as an adventure - and this summer is an adventure! It’s a roller coaster adventure for the world, national and local economies. But, when faced with adversity, I love to see true grit in people. I met with a number of people last week who are going through tough times financially and I left not only determined to pray for them, but to make our church a better “inspiration station.” – It’s my goal that every week our church will send people out stronger than they were before they walked through the doors. But, not content with the immediate, Washington Cathedral is planning an uplifting breakthrough strategy for this coming fall.

This is the most exciting time of my life. Excitement always brings change and that’s usually unsettling. As a first step, because finances are a challenge, we are going to discontinue mailing the radiance (at least until fall). This will represent a sizable savings to the church. **So if you would like to continue to receive this weekly inspiration via e-mail, please make sure we have a current e-mail address for you. We will also be discontinuing the big weekly bulletin for the rest of the summer. You will still get a smaller version with a sermon handout, communication card and giving envelope; but it won’t be “chock full.” So in order to keep up on all the great summer and early fall activities available to you, you can pick up an events flyer from the information tables, carefully read the PowerPoint ads showing on the screens before each worship service, and regularly check out our website www.wacathedral.org. This again represents a solid savings to the church for the month of August which is the toughest month of the year for us financially.

You may have noticed that each one of our congregational worship services is becoming more and more of a family. Each service is unique and focused on creating lifelong friendships. This is a part of our long-term strategy you will be hearing more about. We are appointing Congregational Pastors for each congregation and Deacons to help with making each congregation feel more and more like family. Of course you can attend whenever is most convenient for you, but if you plug into one congregation on a regular basis you will find great opportunities for a deeper walk and deeper friendships. I will still be doing my share of preaching, but the focus is “back to the future.” Going back to the loving family that we started out as and moving away from a church which puts on a massive number of worship services. Each worship service or “congregational family” is developing a team of committed people to help us make this happen. In fact, next summer we are planning family camps for each congregation in our church and we will return a church on fire with the closeness that Christ wants us to have.

These are exciting times for this church which dreams of being a great caring network. Your friendship, support, and patience will be deeply appreciated.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Let Justice Splash!"

2010-07-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

About a year ago I read an article in a Christian magazine written by Charles Webb, Ph.D. He is the president of Spring Arbor University, a Christian University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. This sentence caught my eye and has resonated with me since that time: “Justice is a distinguishing mark of anauthentic follower of God.” He went on to say “It’s incarnational living that allows [nonbelievers] to see Jesus through the compassionate eyes of justice.” Of course, he was referencing Isaiah 58 and 59. Matthew 19:19 says it more succinctly: Justice is loving your neighbor as yourself, as Christcommands.

We are out to build the greatest caring network the world has ever seen which means that, asfollowers of Jesus, we live our lives right out in the open for everyone to see. Hopefully, as thatfollower, I’m displaying my love for Jesus through the acts of justice I demonstrate daily. If you’ve ever struggled with how that actually looks in real life, here are some possibilities I have explored and found rewarding:

· Commenting to a clerk something personal about them – their nice smile, their courteous manner, or their efficient way of doing business.

· Speaking a word of friendliness to someone while waiting in line.

· Smiling in a friendly way to everyone you pass on the street.

· Offering to help a neighbor in some constructive way.

· Letting the car in the merge lane go ahead of you.

We all have lives to live and places to go. I think it makes the going easier if I spread a littlecompassion and kindness along the way. Another way we’ve expressed it at Washington Cathedral is to “Splash a little joy around!”

By: Sally Jo Holmes

"Some Good News!"

2010-07-20T09:57:00.001-07:00

Last week we went door-to-door to over 1,200 homes telling people about the Randy & Rod Halvorson ReCreation Center which is open to the community. People couldn’t believe that we have a pool that is open to the public. Before we got back to the church, young families were stopping by to use it and we were getting calls asking more about this meta church that is bringing different kinds of churches togetherunder the love of God. In 26 years of going door-to-door, I have never seen such aresponse. Sure, I was sore each evening (but I need the exercise) and I am so blessed to know that we are filling the church up with new friends and unlimited possibilities.

Last Tuesday I came out of Pastor Linda’s office with a huge smile on my face. She told me that we now have over 1,000 people who are card-carrying members and 60% of those are not even attenders of Washington Cathedral! Plus, we are running the pool at a slight profit rather than a deficit! She noted that it’s because of all the volunteer work being done! Operating at a profit helps support the other ministries of the church. When I walked out into the waiting room I ran into a good friend of mine―a friend that has stuck by my side through the entire adventure of building this church. I blurted out, “I just found out that we are already running the pool at a profit.” He smiled as big as I did. He said, “That makes me so happy. I thought this pool might become a money pit for the church.” We both just enjoyed the fact that God knew what He was doing when he built this building and we are amazed that thisoutrageous blessing/idea is working. Paul put it this way, “All things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

God is releasing His favor on Washington Cathedral and it is a joy just to be a part of it.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"The Great Commission!"

2010-07-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostleand sent out to preach his Good News. Romans 1:1

As you know, I love the book of Romans. I have been preaching on it in my latest sermon series, “Attacking the World with Arms Wide Open!” It represents Paul’s theological treatise- - - in other words, it is his definitive story. Many of the themes are picked up in other books, but this is the long walk where he really pours his heart out to the listener. I love to hear people’s life story- - - what makes them do what they do and what has made them the person that they are today. I love to watch people open up when they feel that they have an ally in someone whose grace comes from Jesus Christ- - - someone who is reluctant to be judgmental and quick to offer friendship and prayers.

You would be surprised at how many enemies become friends when you hear their life story.

I am not saying that everyone has a good excuse for the weaknesses they exhibit, but it sure helps a lot when you come alongside and look at the world from their perspective. I like my dad's saying, “Walk a mile in your enemies moccasins and if he is still your enemy you are one mile away and he is barefoot because you have his shoes.”

It is hard for some people to understand the gracious community that we are trying to build here at Washington Cathedral. We think the best way for us to legitimately fulfill the Great Commission is to be non-manipulative. Churches like ours reach out because that is what Jesus told us to do in the Great Commission (Matthew 28). Churches reach out because we refuse to cut the words of Jesusout of the Bible. In the stories of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son he teaches us that we are supposed to be “salt and light” in a world that desperately needs it! On July 8, 2010, the Seattle Times ran an article which said that people are twice as likely to be killed by themselves than to be murdered. Let’s face it- - - Jesus was right! People need help, someone who cares, a community that can be gracious and that is what God has called us to do as a great caring network! This is not an addition to the Gospel message, it is at the heart of every book of the Bible and every word that Jesus spoke. To miss this point is to miss being a Christ-follower- - - and we are not willing to entertain that for one moment. So folks, let reach out! Lets make friendships! Let’s listen to people’s stories and find ways to be a means of God's grace in this world!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!"

2010-07-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

It’s true - - - it really is true!

When we rely on the Lord as the source of our strength it always astonishes us! Even more amazing is when we begin to realize that when God’s love and joy flows through our lives, what seemed to be the worst of times can turn into thebest of times!!

I hope everyone has a chance for some very special summer breaks, but don’tforget that you can experience, week after week, fresh, sweet worship times that will bring cleansing renewal and rejoicing!!

I am so deeply thankful that after every worship service at the Cathedral, I can see it on people’s faces- - - “For you shall go out with joy, and- - - peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing- - - and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Is 55:12

My friend, Dr. Robert Schuller, and other great pastor/preachers are convinced,as I am, that deep relaxation allows creativity! And nothing is more relaxing and invigorating than experiencing, first, the cleansing of God, then the energizing power of His word in holy worship!

Pastor Tim’s summer series from the book of Romans is, I’m absolutely convinced, God’s perfect timing for each of our lives; and our Heavenly Father’s awesomevision for His church!!!

Thanking God for the sweet, sweet summer of 2010 at the Cathedral,

Caleb

“Attacking the World with Arms Wide Open!”
Summer Theme of Washington Cathedral

"A family of churches!"

A Cathedral 4th of July Celebration!

2010-06-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend I will have the privilege of sharing the sermon of a lifetime with you. I am on a series of ten greatpassages from one of the most revolutionary books in the Bible - the book of Romans! Martin Luther's commentary on Romans, John Calvin's commentary on Romans, John Wesley's sermons on Romans, Karl Barth, and Martin Loyd Jones- - - they all shook the world! This book has caused reformation and counter-reformation, enlightenment and great awakenings! But most of all it is famous for beginning revival. I have entitled my sermon series “Attacking the World with Arms Wide Open!”

Saturday night service, July 3rd, will have a very special sermon all of its own; and I hope you bring your children to it, because as part of my sermon I want to sit down and tell them the story of the United States of America.

Sunday, July 4th at 9am we are going to honor those who have served in the military by having them stand during a choir song. I am also going to interview the parents of a hero who is serving in the military right now.

Sunday, July 4th at 11am will be one of our four yearly “Festival Services” and will include our special guest, Gary Del Rosario! Gary is a wonderful tenor from the Seattle Opera and he will be singing with the choir and will sing some stirring patriotic hymns. My dad, Dr. Dale White, and Pastor Naomi, have planned a soul-stirring, sacredcelebration. We have invited all of our congregations to rally together and stand hand-in-hand representing all ourdiversity and the Good News of Jesus Christ! So you can expect to worship with our Hispanic, Brazilian, Egyptian, and Korean congregations, and everyone to take part in the service. This will also be my opportunity to deliver the sermon of my life and the sacred dedication of the “honor flags” will set off fireworks in your soul!

Right after the 11am service we are going to have one of our relaxing old-fashioned, family picnics right on ourcampus (I hope that everyone realizes how important the 11am service is and that no one misses it to set up for the 4th of July picnic.) At the picnic we will have a live band and dancing (which is a Washington Cathedral tradition)- - - dads and daughters dancing away, along with everyone else, just having a good old time! We will have basketball, soccer, softball, swimming, a kid’s carnival with a clown and bouncy house, and- - - some of the most delicioushamburgers and hot dogs that you have ever enjoyed! The picnic will be from 12:30 to 4pm and will be a great time to make new and deeper friendships at Washington Cathedral.

This would be a great opportunity to bring a friend. Your invitation could be a life-changing moment for someone.

Remember, the 4th of July is not just another day! Let’s not take the freedoms that we are blessed with in the United States for granted. If we don't teach our children to appreciate them, they won't last many generations.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"What Am I Learning?"

2010-06-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Worry is unbelief. Can I trust God to handle all the details in my life when I ask Him to? I see that even though the Hebrews believed in the Almighty God, they still felt the need to have the local shrines and gods at their disposal for the everyday care of things. Could we do the same in our world on a different level? We put bank accounts, education,people’s expectations of us ahead of God and these things can become “little gods” to us.

I remember hearing that when we let family or even a spouse become more important to us than God, we have created an idol. God wants to be everything to us. Not anafterthought and not only when everything else has failed, but first and foremost in our lives. He is to be Provider, Savior, Best Friend… all of it! When He is truly in that place in my life then I have the ability to prioritize all others in my life correctly. With God first, I am a better mother because I recognize it doesn’t all depend on me, a better friend asI can allow God’s leading in my life as to how to treat friends better and be supportive and not enabling. If I live from the place of seeking God then all others in my life will be taken care of appropriately. This was all God wanted from His people. He wanted them to seek Him with all heart, body, soul and mind and not depend on the ‘household gods’ for the everyday needs of life.

Thank-you, Father for teaching me this. When I make you first in all things it is bothcrucial and profitable. How easily I slip into the mode of thinking that You expect me to do a lot of this by myself and only rely on You for the “big stuff” when You want to be in charge of it all. My part is to be obedient to Your directions for my life. Patience andwisdom come with seeking You, and knowing Your ways through reading your guidebook to me. Direct my steps today to accomplish all that You have for me to do. In Jesus name, Amen.

A Cathedral 4th of July

2010-06-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

A Sacred Celebration!
For Our Legacy of Freedom
100 Flags in Sacred Memory

Gary Del Rosario - our very special friend from the Seattle Opera will join all of our choirs and music groups in an encouraging and thrilling time of sacred worship.

Pastor Tim’s message will stir your heart!! Our special guests a U.S. Marines Color Guard will present the Colors and help dedicate 100 “sacred memory flags.” The music will place strong wings on weary hearts!!!

If you have someone who has served our Country in the Armed Services, we willpermanently tag one of the sacred memory flags to be displayed each 4th of July onthe Church altars; enabling our greatcongregation to give God thanks for their gift of service. Call the church office.

A Prophetic Voice

2010-06-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

"Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting.” Is 40:3

I sometimes hear a voice. . . . . . voices. . .
they are saying. . . whispering. . . . shouting
“Why? Why can’t you just be a normal church?
You know. . . a church-church!”
Dignified. . . biblical. . . oh, very biblical
spiritual. . . yes, very, very spiritual
a comfortable church!
Let someone else remember the
garbage dump children.

Only Imagine
Imagine a little boy
or a little girl
caught in a huge area. . . of burning garbage.
It’s only a dream. . .
it’s not even nice.

She’s crying. . . crying
whimpering, helplessly
wiping her eyes with her dirty little dress
the wind picks up! She screams
“Help me! Help me!
Someone help me!”

You run. . . you run, run, run
she sees you coming. . .
holds up her little arms
flames leap. . . you just run harder.
She opens her arms! You scoop her up
and you run and run and run!

I think we have just defined our church- - - did you know Pastor, Dr. Rey Diaz has studied 27 of the worlds largest dumps? Guess we’ll take them one at a time! Caleb

"An Overflowing Life!"

2010-06-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to know what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. Philippians 1:9-10

The other day, one of my children challenged me to memorize the entire book of 1 John this summer. We were on a one-on-one and they said that they were motivated to memorize the book and asked if I would join them. I paused - looking for a good excuse. I started by saying that I had tried to memorize it 35 years ago and failed - I did end up memorizing a synopsis of the book though. I thought about the busyness of my life, all my challenges and my memory challenges (I could hide my own Easter eggs and have funfinding them!) then I said, “Yes.” I said yes because (if you are a dad) it is tough to say no to a daughter who gives you that “daddy look.” And I said yes because I knew that this was a moment - one that I needed to seize to be fully alive.

My kids have learned that overflowing-faith comes when a Christian understands that growth comes not from listening to the radio preachers or television evangelists or even the pastor of a local church.Overflowing faith is when you learn how to dive into the Word yourself, have a no-excuse prayer life and a seize-the-moment fellowship life.

Oh, how I long that you defy the shallow faith epidemic of our generation. That your theology (understanding of God) goes beyond pop-faith and the latest trend. That you learn to dive deep into the word, walk unceasingly with a conversation with your Lord and Savior and that you put that faith into practice in the adventure of your life! Do you know your spiritual gift? Have you discovered the adventure of serving others? Do you know about the law of God’s economy - that he has given you everything in the first place and the last thing you want to do in tough times is to break your partnership with him?

My grandson, Elijah, is living with us a for a couple weeks. I bid on a bunch of cars at last week’s auction and lost, but some gracious person gave the cars to my son-in-law to give to me so that I could give them to Elijah. I have never seen him enjoy a present so much (he sleeps with these cars). He alternately hordes and shares his cars. The other day I asked him if I could play with one of his green cars (a really cool, old ford pickup truck). He said, “No, No GP” and went into the mode of hording his cars. I thought, “Hey – those cars are a miracle. How can you think you own them and not want to share?” But then I thought, “Isn’t that exactly the situation of the non-overflowing life?” When I was pondering whether I really want to invest all the time to memorize 1 John with my child, I realized that even being asked such a question is a miracle!So I challenge myself (and you) to live our life, not from a faithless model of scarcity, but a faithful model of overflowing - it really makes sense!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Another Historic Event for Washington Cathedral!"

2010-05-26T11:47:00.001-07:00

Every great and beautiful dream has some point where a giant stands in its way! And every such challenge prompts a champion to step out and take on that Giant, for the glory of God and the blessing of humanity.

I want to personally invite you to what might be the most important night in the history of WashingtonCathedral. We as a church face a challenge and we’re praying for a miraculous night. When I spoke with the Board of Directors about the importance of this night, they all looked at me as if to say, “Haven’t you had enough tough challenges for one life time.” I said, “I know, but this is the sometimes arduous life of a pioneer, and I am a happy pioneer trying to build the Greatest Caring Network that the world has ever seen. The next generation might have it easier, but this is the path that God has put us on.”

We had a celebratory grand opening for our wonderful new building. We also conducted a moving dedication ceremony. However, a couple of leaders of our church pointed out, we have run from one challenge to another without really taking an evening to thank all the people who in so many ways made it possible for Washington Cathedral to get this far. To me this is a mission of utmost importance.

We have been so blessed by so many great champions who have worked, given, prayed, hung in there with us--and I will spend the rest of eternity thanking God for them. But I also want the church to recognize those stalwarts in person.

So we are going to have a special Comedy Night like we have never had at Washington Cathedral. Every good and bad comedy act from Washington Cathedral will be there to help us laugh and enjoy the joy of our fellowship. I was on the gong show many years ago and I plan to give my unknown pastor comedy act, Rich Skinner and Steve Sibley are better than the Smothers Brothers and they have developed a reputation as “The Boys”. Doug Sutten is the funniest CPA ever to graduate from Kennewick High School (that is in my humble opinion). We will have comedy acts by kids, old people like Rey Diaz who will be trying out his brand of humor (is he really the funniest in his family?) The drama team, teenagers, kids getting ready for camp. It will be a night of fun and hilarity.

Our Washington Cathedral Chefs are preparing a delicious Italian Meal. The food for this meal will cost about $10 per person and a donation basket will be available if you’d like to help us offset that cost. It will be a fun and inspiring evening you will never forget as we say “thank you” for being a part of a miracle. We will outline the ten year plan for Washington Cathedral and the meta church design to become the Great Caring Network that God has called us to be. Please join us and bring a friend. Lets pack the place out! Wouldn’t it be fun if the place became a packed out-house--or should I say, a packed-out house. (Brings back memories of how many you can squeeze into a VW Beetle.)

Don’t miss this historic night! – It will become a milestone memory.

This night of comedy and food will be Friday, June 4, at 7 pm in the ReCreation Center. Call and let us know you are coming (or you can sign up on our website).

Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White

Uncertain Certainty

2010-05-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

Uncertain Certainty was the theme for today’s devotion and it has certainly been that. None of us knows what can

happen moment to moment, but if my certainty lies in God, then I need not fear it, but look to it as a life of surprise.

Looking back over my life there have been many surprises. Things not going according to my plans, detours and redirections, but it has made for a colorful life and not one I would have traded. Because of all those ‘happenings’ that went into getting me to this point in my life, I have a perspective from this vantage point I would not want to miss. I hope I have learned to extend grace because it was extended to me, and hope I don’t stand in place of judging another because I never know what I might do if those same circumstances were presented to me. There is the idea that one can never know another ‘until he’s walked a mile in his shoes’ and this bears truth to that.

There is only one certainty in my life and that is that God loves me and has fashioned a plan unique to me. All I need do is allow Him to reveal it to me by being obedient to Him. I know what it feels like to be disobedient, impatient and intent on doing my own thing, due to my thinking He’s not moving fast enough; and I hope not to repeat that…There is peace in this certainty of God. It is to become as a child trusting and eager; living in the moment not anticipating the future with dread or fear; but in eagerness looking forward to the next playtime.

Observe a child at play. They are totally living in the moment. Not worrying about if mom will have food enough for dinner or if she has clothes to wear. They just trust it will happen. Was this what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 6:25-34 this simplicity of trust? Life will happen and there isn’t much we can do about that. But to lean on and depend upon our Heavenly Father during life’s happenings, this something we can do something about.

Lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge God
and He will make your way straight” Proverbs 3:56

Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants.
Then all your other needs will be met as well.
So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34

from a grateful member of Washington Cathedral

"Seeking God!"

2010-05-11T10:02:00.001-07:00

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and prayand seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven andwill forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-15

“The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him.Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.” Psalm 22:25-27

“The humble will see their God at work and be glad.Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.” Psalm 69:31-33

As I was reading the bible it occurred to me that in our own lives, we seek to spend time with people and when they make time for us we are blessed and happy. How much more does the Father feel when I make time to spend with Him. There is a difference to spending time and making time. I can find that I spend time with someone out ofnecessity and it fits in with the schedule and those can be blessed times too.

But, isn’t there a subtle difference when it is “sought” time to be spent with someone. We do it in dating, when we want to be with our loved one, we make time for them sometime adjusting the schedule of our lives to accommodate; just think how pleased our Father would be if we extended the same consideration to Him.

God is always ready and waiting for us to make that move toward Him; to have the quiet one-on-one in a devotion or reading with undivided attention and no distractions. I have found this to be the best time of my day and I come away with blessings and promises to get me through my day, until the next time…

Fiona Monaghan

An Ancient Kind of Gathering...

2010-05-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

Spirit Falls Circle, formerly known as “Sunday 5,” is a Sunday evening service which began two years ago this past Easter in the Spirit Falls sanctuary.

It’s a gathering of believers, literally sitting in a circle, whose desire has been and continues to beto emulate as closely as possible the essence of the early church…

“They devoted themselves to… teaching, and to the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42.

Spirit Falls Circle is an open congregation of people who come… to worship God in unadorned song and the spoken word… to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and triumph over death as we come together to the communiontable in quietness and reverence… to draw sustenance from Scripture… where questions, doubts and insights are encouraged and the sharing is rich... to pray, offering our gifts of adoration and gratitude to God, and to intercede for each other… to encourage one another, as our faith is cultivated and we see God’s hand at work in our lives in often miraculous ways…

Spirit Falls Circle is a living thing, flexible and vibrant… and all are welcome. It’s a space in whichone can give and receive… or sit in silence and simply “be”… experience peace and rest. It can be ameaningful way to end the past week and begin the new one, buoyed up for the fusion of joy andchallenge in our life journey. Our numbers have at times swelled and at times ebbed, but God hascontinued to bless us, meet needs and draw us closer to Him. He is most definitely “on the move,”and we have all felt nourished and cared for.

As we draw the hour to a close we leave one another with this blessing… “Go in peace, for by the goodness of God you have been born and by the providence of God you have been kept all this day and all through your lives and by the love of God you are redeemed.”

~ Doug and Lori Wheeler ~

“Please be patient . . . God’s not finished with me yet!”

2010-04-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

I love to remind people about this statement - Please be patient . . . God’s not finished with me yet! In fact, it almost makes me laugh to think of it. All these people think they have you and I figured out. They have their list of criticisms and disappointments, and behind our backs they share with delight our failings and mistakes. Then God goes and works a miracle in our lives and we grow!

Isn’t that just like God? Just when everyone thinks they have the picture figured out, he changes the picture. After they memorize the facts for the test―God changes the test. And some people think that God doesn’t laugh!

I plan to change a lot this spring, not to mention this year, and don’t even try and figure out what I will be like in the next five years. My friends, my kids, my church, my community are all going to be shocked at how God works through my life; and I will be laughing and thinking, “God is just so cool!”

If you feel like your boss, teacher, coach, parent, child, or spouse is frustrated with some of your humanness- - - leave them a note saying, “Please be patient - God’s not finished with me yet!” Then, let God change you. Delight in astounding people with the grace of Jesus Christ working powerfully in your life!

What is it that you have to do to change and grow that would make people just say, “No way!!!” Quit smoking? Lose weight? Be on time? Develop study habits? Become more outgoing? Try harder? Worry less? Apologize? Listen to advice? Smile more? Go ahead! Crack a smile and knock all your critics on their rear-ends to the glory of God! (Well, don’t physically knock them on their rear-ends, it’s just a metaphor for the shock they will feel.) You know what I mean- - - go out and let God shock people through your growth!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"11: Indispensible Relationships You Can’t Be Without!"

2010-04-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

“To journey without being changed is to be a nomad. To change without journeying is to be a chameleon. To journey and be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim.” Mark Nep, The Exquisite Risk

Then Jesus went out to the lakeshore again and taught the crowds that were coming to him. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him. (Mark 2:13-14)

I have been reading a great book by Dr. Leonard Sweet. Dr. Sweet is a brilliant person, author and professor who has a one-of-a-kind character. He lives in the San Juan Islands at an amazing place that is well suited to the imagination of awell known author. If you see someone up there who looks like Colonel Custer than that is probably Leonard Sweet. His book is entitled, 11: Indispensible Relationships You Can’t Be Without. Mark Batterson said of this book, “This book will not only help you cross the finish line strong, it will also help you bring others with you.” The book looks at Biblicalrelationships that are needed to help a person to be healthy in their faith and it has inspired my series to look at healthy Christianity by looking at the friendships that Jesus chose. I can’t wait to dive into this series with you. I believe we will be a much stronger church because of it. Here is an outline of Dr. Sweet’s book (which will be different from my sermon series), but you can get the excitement of the study of scripture by his summary statements.

Who’s Your Nathan?: You Need an Editor
Who’s Your Jonathan?: You need a True Friend
Who’s Your Jethro?: You Need a Butt-Kicker
Who’s Your Timothy?: You Need a Protégé
Who’s Your Barnabas?: You Need an Encourager
Who’s Your Peter/Paul?: You Need a Yoda
Who’s Your Deborah?: You Need a Back-Coverer
Who’s Your Zacchaeus?: You Need a Reject
Who’s Your Rhoda?: You Need a “Little One”
Who Are Your VIPs?: You Need a Lydia and Lazarus, Rich and Poor
Where’s Your Jerusalem?: You Need a Place
The Invisible 12th: You Need the Paraclete

I think you can see how this would cause sparks in a fresh study of the friendships of Christ! If we improve in this area not only will we experience a greater sense of peace and wholeness in our lives, but we will put down roots that our families and friends with enjoy also. Read the book if you like, it will be different from the series, but together – let’s get ready for a great ride the next few weeks!

You need others to get where you are going and the ride is a lot more fun when you are not alone. . .

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

What does the Lord require of you?

2010-04-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

At first reading, that seems reasonable enough, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t want to act in a just way? But, wait! What does that mean exactly? Am I acting justly when I speak out with passion on a cause I embrace as a “just” cause? What about those who oppose my point-of-view? Even though I may disagree with them, is their cause less just?

Who wouldn’t love mercy? But, wait! What is mercy exactly? Does it mean a lot of “second chances” for others? What does it mean in terms of my own personal boundaries? Is itmerciful to walk on by a panhandler with the notion that to provide him or her with money will only support an addictive habit, therefore, out of mercy, I withhold the dollars? I’m not sure.

Walk humbly with your God? Of course! That’s the dream of every Christian – “me and God, walking side by side.” But, wait! What is this “humbly” stuff? Doesn’t that have something to do with “courage under pressure?” Or does it mean that I always put myself last in the lineup? Or…what does it mean really?

If you aren’t part of a TLC (small group) where some of these issues can be addressed and maybe even clarified and put to rest, you are missing out! God wants us to grapple with His word and come to terms with it. He speaks to us in a variety of ways and a supportive, loving and caring small group is one of those ways.

Don’t struggle alone! There’s the perfect match for you meeting on a day and timeconvenient to your schedule. Talk to Pastor Dale, he’s the TLC coordinator and would love to put you in touch with a group that can vitalize your spiritual life in a way that nothing else can! Call the church office at 425-869-5433 and ask to speak with him. You’ll be glad you did!

Pastor Sally Jo Holmes

"Lift Your Sails!"

2010-04-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. (Psalm 100)

Rey jokes with me that after a couple years of worshipping in Honduras, I will be ready to run a marathon. Every Sunday morning I walk the dusty roads to church, Elijah in hand, because I know that I need to worship. Most Sundays it becomesunbearably hot in our one-room church, full of bodies in motion in the middle of a scorching day. We spend the majority of the two hours on our feet, in high-heals, clapping to the music or simply standing for prayer. I shift my weight trying to focus on understanding what is being said in a foreign language and feel the sweat pour down. Sometimes Sunday morning worship feels like a test of endurance, other times I sense the Spirit falling mightily on me, either way, I am glad I came.

Last night, I only got fifteen minutes of corporate worship before Elijah had a meltdown and I had to leave. But in those fifteen minutes, I saw again that the Lord is holy, holy, holy, (Santo, Santo, Santo) and all powerful to change any circumstance, any situation. I felt the stress melt off my shoulders and was able once again to see.

Someone once likened spiritual disciplines to lifting your sails on a boat. you never know when the wind is going to blow, but when it does, you are ready. When it comes softly, your only clue of the wind’s arrival is the slight movement of your boat, if your sails are up. My prayer for you this week is that you would lift your sails, do the things you did at first, so that if the Holy Spirit does happen to blow, you will be ready to receive Him.

Pastor Elise White-Diaz
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

"The Glory of Easter 2010!"

2010-03-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed. John 20:8

I love Holy Week and I completely enjoy Easter!!! I can't tell you what it means to me to review the depth of the teaching ofPassover, to relive again with Jesus his passion, celebrate the forgiveness of Christ from the Cross, and to entertain the ideas of the resurrection. My heart just thrills. I think of my grandparents, I think of my grandchildren, I think of all my friends that have gone on to heaven and I think of my own life. It makes me tremble inside as I pray for Holy Week services knowing that I could invite someone who might find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

And yes, I am so proud of my dad, Dr. Dale White, and Pastor Naomi Blake for producing a drama which tells the story of Easter fresh and new- - - it spreads revival like wildfire. Last Christmas I was blown away by the drama and I have read the script for this Easter and it’s even better. I pray that our whole meta church family can gather together for the 11 am service to see this glorious pageant- - - one of the few in the area and one of the best ever done in the Pacific Northwest!

Easter week will include: my dad having a soup lunch at noon Monday through Friday and discussing “The Seven Last Words of Christ” with anyone who would like to join him. He will anoint the sick and pray for healing every day that week.

Monday night at 7pm “One is a Whole Number” congregation is going to have a special Easter service and I am preaching. Yes, it will be a different message than my others that week, but I am looking forward to celebrating with this dynamic congregation (Pastor David is even going to sing.)

Wednesday night at 7pm “The Source” I will teach on the Passover. What a time to grow deeper in our understanding not only of our faith, but of the prophecy fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Thursday night at 7pm our “Serenity Service” is going to have Pastors Roy and Pam Seymour preaching with special music that will touch your heart.

Friday night at 7pm is our “Good Friday” service and our newest congregation Rooted Gathering is going to lead this service withwonderful music and three homilies by three dynamic young people from our church. It will include communion and candlelight in front of the waterfall.

Saturday night at 6pm “Boulder Creek” congregation will have a special Easter service with children bringing flowers into thesanctuary, brass, an incredible praise team and a dynamic, stirring Easter message by Dr. Dale White.

And of course we are going to have an “Easter Sunrise Service” at 6:45am. Pastor Linda Skinner will be preaching, we will haveinstrumental Easter music and a touching soloist - what a great way to greet the dawn!

Then, at 7:30am our traditional Easter “Blueberry Pancake Feed” will be open to all the congregations; Coptic, Korean, Hispanic, Brazilian, etc.- - - all in a big family-style feast!

Easter Sunday at 9am “Spirit Falls” congregation will be my opportunity to give my full Easter sermon. I love this traditional service with robes, choir, liturgy, the Lord’s prayer, kids bringing in flowers and dynamic music.

Easter Sunday at 11am in Mountainside Sanctuary will be “The Glory of Easter” drama and I will have a short, uplifting, Easter presentation of the Good News. And we’ll have a special guest from the Seattle Opera who’s singing will stir your soul!

Easter Sunday at 1pm will be our annual community “Easter Egg Hunt”- - - this is always an event never to be forgotten.
Easter Sunday at 5pm our “Sunday 5” congregation will enjoy the Shalom of Easter as they celebrate with a special Easter service.

Every service and every congregation will be blessed and overflowing! Please come to at least one of the services, but you arealways welcome to any or all of them. Just make sure that you don't miss our special “Easter Drama,” Sunday at 11am! It will be our best and our opportunity to fill up our 1100 seat Mountainside Sanctuary- - - that in itself is really inspiring! Bring your friends and give them a tour of our amazing facility as all the different congregations worship throughout the week.

This will be the greatest Easter of our lives so far! Won't you come home for Easter at Washington Cathedral!!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"To Stay or Go?"

2010-03-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

To Stay or Go…
Would you also go away?

This question, Jesus asked

to Peter who was close to Him

in this the three years past.

Some had found the road too hard

and quietly walked away.

Jesus asked those close to Him

if they too would go away.

Peter replied “But where to go?

It’s You who have the words,

eternal life is from your mouth

the way You show us, clear.”

In days to come it would be shown

that Peter too would flee

denying the knowledge of the one

they would nail up to a tree.

But it would prove he’d come around

and tell his Greatest Friend

“I’ll tell the world of all You’ve taught

from now until my end.”

This he did, we have the words

in letters he would leave.

He spread the teaching of his Christ

till he also hung from a tree.

Fiona Monaghan

3-10-10

"Will ye also go away?" John 6:67

A penetrating question. Our Lord's words come home most when He talks in the most simple way. We know who Jesus is, but in spite of that He says - "Will ye also go away?"We have to maintain a venturing attitude toward Him all the time. (From Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest March 9, 2010)

From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him." They went back from walking with Jesus, not into sin, but they relapsed. Many today are spending and being spent in work for Jesus Christ, but they do not walk with Him. The one thing God keeps us to steadily is that we may be one with Jesus Christ. After sanctification the discipline of our spiritual life is along this line. If God gives a clear and emphatic realization to your soul of what He wants, do not try to keep yourself in that relationship by any particular method, but live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live the life with God on any other line than God's line, and that line is absolute devotion to Him. The certainty that “I do not know” - that is the secret of going with Jesus.

Peter only saw in Jesus someone to minister salvation to him and to the world. Our Lord wants us to be yoke-fellows with Him.

v. 70. Jesus answers the great lack in Peter. We cannot answer for others.

“Flourishing in the Midst of Dissonance!”

2010-03-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

But when some of the believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and insisted, "The Gentile converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of Moses.” So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue. At the meeting, after a long discussion, Peter stood and addressed them as follows: "Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you sometime ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Good News andbelieve. God knows people's hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit,just as he did to us.” Acts 15:5-9

People regularly ask me how I can thrive in the midst of disagreements, cultural differences and personality conflicts in the church? I just smile. Because God has been preparing me to build a “Meta Church” my whole life. When I was one-year-old my dad started a community church—a church that agreed to disagree- - - a church that would major on the majors and minor on the minors- - - a church that would be more interested in building the Kingdom of God than just the success of one group. I read about 1776 and how the United States of America began. There were a lot of disagreements between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, not to mention every other element making up this great country. I see myself as a Thomas Jefferson (of sorts) building a team of great leaders - all who disagree about a lot of things; but the ones who can see the big picture and hang in there will be the forefathers and mothers of a great church which will be a family of churches honoring one another because of Jesus Christ!

I never have expected my wife to agree with me 100%, but we have always grown in our love and respect for one another—what a blessing. My kids and I love to argue and discuss theology, philosophy, and politics. I would never think of ever giving up on them- - - they know I love them with all of my heart and respect them even our disagreements. This is the kind of person that God has made me and the style of leadership he has called me to- - - we call it “collaborative.” Recently, Jackie pointed out that I have been blessed with success throughout my life using this style of leadership. Many leaders really buy into this idea- - - have you ever talked to Dr. Vath about the form of leadership that we use at Washington Cathedral?

Sure, sometimes I feel worn-out by feeling like the only one in the room that loves everyone (and you can probably see it in my face and hear it in my voice), but then Jackie and I get to take a little break and we remember how short life really is and how much we love everyone in this church. As we pray, we remember some of those that we were blessed to serve a short time with: Jane Bishop, Marcy Marquez, Marv Stone, Bill Biggs, Bill Holmes, Wayne Myers, Arden Apted, Emily (Boyce) Hurren, and many, many more. We realize that everyone is such huge a blessing (for such a short time) and the overwhelming joy of the Lord fills our hearts; and we thank God for our differences and our problems. Then we dive into the amazing pace that God has given us the energy to keep up for 25 years and our burden is light and our yoke is easy. Read Acts 15, there was conflict throughout thehistory of the church, but they flourished and kept respecting one another because Christ's death on the cross was too recent in their minds to treat people any other way. Someone commented that this is unhealthy, but I totally disagree. Read Jim Collinsand try and understand “Level Five Leadership” it is the height of maturity. No family or nation can work without people who can flourish in the midst of dissonance and surely a meta church modeled after the Book of Acts must find “knights in shining armor” who believe in the cause and hang in there as a team. What would have happened in world history if our nation gave up justbecause of internal conflict? A lot of people are giving up on the United States now, but I pray every day a blessing on thosepoliticians who hang in there through great disagreements and believe in our nation. Can I have any less commitment to my church or my family?

It is amazing how God is blessing our church right now. Every week the work in Honduras progresses and hundreds of ministries take place in the name of Jesus Christ in our community through Washington Cathedral. The church is still growing and our best days are ahead!

The other day I stopped by two hospitals to visit and pray for people who are making great progress against big challenges.We laughed and talked, I read scripture to them, anointed them with oil and held their hand as I prayed. The first patient was a young brilliant doctor (a healer by trade). The second was an older widow who is a wonderful mother, grandmother andgreat-grandmother. After I prayed for her (my last visit before rushing to preachat a service) she said, spontaneously, “Thank you! I love you.” Then, slightlyembarrassed she said, “Can I say that?” I smiled and knew that it came from the deepest part of her spirit. It was almost as though God had told me that He loved me. That is all I need to flourish, regardless of the greatness of my personalchallenges!

Your friend and pastor for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"To Become a Church!"

2010-03-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

Prayer brings people together to accomplish what would be impossible without God!

I love the high priestly prayer of Christ in John chapters 15-17. “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.” (John 15:10-13)

At Washington Cathedral we have been very intentional about reaching out to the whole body of Christ and letting them know that this is a place of love, forgiveness and acceptance: Calvinist and Wesley Armenian (those whobelieve that human choices can really mess up a life and those who believe that God is sovereign and anythingelse sounds like blasphemy), Lutheran and Catholic, Charismatic and Bible Baptist, Liberal Methodist andFundamentalist Independents, Post-Modern and Modernist, Salvation Army and Assembly of God, Seventh DayAdventists and Quakers, those who would study the Bible twenty-four-seven and those who work twenty-four-seven to help the poor in Jesus’ name. We need them all using their gifts and working together as a team for us to be the church God wants us to be.

This may surprise you, but we do not all agree with each other at Washington Cathedral- - - but, as followers of Christ we agree to respect people of all age, races, and cultures in the name of Jesus. We even respect those with whom we have very strong disagreements. I think this is one of the reasons that we are very good at reaching people who are very far from God with an authentic personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Make no mistake about it - this was why we were called together in the first place- - - to become a church- - - and it is why the majority of people love this church and its dream to fulfill the great commission by going into every ethnic group to make disciples.Disciples means “learners” - those who learn and do what Jesus did. We call this, “Building the greatest caringnetwork that the world has ever seen! Caring for the people we find and finding people to care.” Actually loving people in the name of Jesus and watching them in turn learn to grow close to Jesus and love others (it has had an amazing ripple effect if you have eyes to see). We have come a very long way, from nothing to where we are today, and we are just getting started. I have at least 20 more years in the ministry and I plan on handing off the helm of this church to a leader who believes in the collaborative method - empowering gifted people who will simply respect and walk with the leadership to innovate amazing ministries to reach and touch the world for Jesus Christ. That brings me back to the high priestly prayer of Christ.

"I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the worldbegan! O righteous Father, the world doesn't know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I haverevealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them. (John 17:21-26)

For those who stick it out with Washington Cathedral, you can expect to kneel next to someone with whom you do not totally agree. You can expect to learn to love them and respect them because Christ's love, humility, and respect flows through your heart. Arrogant Christians will just not be comfortable in this church and I am sure there are plenty of fine churches to choose from if that is the kind of church you feel called to. How can so many peopledisagree and still learn patiently and miraculously to get along? They must have a feeling of humility and reject the feeling of spiritual superiority. Remember, the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Sure, every one of us feels like we are right or we would be less than sincere. But hopefully we know we are not God and our love for Jesus takes over so we are patient with one another - better yet, we flat out learn to love and enjoy one another and people know that we are Christians by our love. That is what will draw them and that is what will minister to our families as we enjoy the great adventure that we have been called and appointed for.

I will never be able to tell you enough times how much I love my friends who have joined in this great adventure andthose who are called to another part of the kingdom church too. I pray that we at Washington Cathedral learn tobecome a happy church living out the high priestly prayer of Christ.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"Revival!"

2010-03-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

What an important guideline for life. Out of the heart comes life or death; health or illness; joy or discontent; strength or weakness. The Bible knows what it is talking about. One translation uses the imagery of the heart being the source of life. Can you imagine the peril that any community would be in if they allowed their water source to be polluted? This is a guideline that we would all do well to follow.

This is especially true when it comes to the yearly renewal of the church. We are in a new building, starting new congregations and attendance is up, but we still have to gear our game up. Craig Davis recently pointed out to me that he was trying to schedule an event in the ReCreation Center and there were 14 different groups using the building that day (and that didn’t count the pool - which was full of people). We started a New Korean Congregation on February 28th and we have a Brazilian Congregation getting ready to begin soon as well.

We must step up our game to the next level in preparation for all that God is doing. We are on an excitingadventure discovering the power of the Book of Acts and how collaborative leadership works in the meta church model. Recently, when I was speaking for Leadership Nexus at a Phoenix conference, one denominational leader said, “This model could save our denomination!” Blazing this new trait for the meta church has not been easy. There have been fallen trees to cross, un-bridged rivers to forge and constant reinvention by patient, life-long friends who believe in the unique calling of this church and seen the fruit of my leadership of this great team.
Many of you may not know this, but every year we work to reinvent Washington Cathedral. This year, we will invite diverse people who have gone through the discipleship of our new Wednesday evening service (The Source) to be a part of this process. I know a lot people just don’t have the time, and that’s alright- - - everyone can’t be part of the taskforce to reorganize an organic organization, and some people are just not made for the teamwork approach. Here’s a quick outline of what our reinvention process looks like: Basically we look for those who are walking with us. For those who are willing to listen to why God has led us and blessed us to do things in a certain way - this is called discipleship. Then, we do everything we can to listen to the community, the church members and leaders on how we can do things better. We go away on a retreat and pray about it - looking for God’s will and not our own.Then we come back with a plan for change. Some items may have to be a part of our five-year plan; others will be instituted immediately when we kick off our new year in the fall. And finally, the staff then takes all this information and spends a week in prayer and spiritual disciplines discussing and planning out the plan for the next year.

This year our new Wednesday night service, “The Source,” is the focal point of this revival. If you want to bea leader of Washington Cathedral then you need to worship with us weekly; but if you want to be a part of the large renewal taskforce, then you need a good heart and participation in our Wednesday night “The Source” service.Pastors, lay leaders, and myself will teach through the book of Matthew. I know none of us can make it every week, but we are going to make it available online and you can email me or another staff member your comments onthe teaching and be a part of the journey. We will take a prayer retreat in early summer called “Weekend at Galilee” where we will brainstorm our modifications for the next year and by fall we willhave filtered through all the data to find the will of God. If you want to be part of this renovation team at one of the most exciting times in the history of our church, then join us next Wednesday night – 6pm is dinner and 7pm is the teaching and interaction at the end. This is going to be the greatest year in the history of Washington Cathedral!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

"God is Still God!"

2010-02-23T09:52:00.001-08:00

“Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness. I remind you, my dear children: Your sins are forgiven inJesus’ name. You veterans were in on the ground floor, and know the One who started all this; you newcomers have won a big victory over the Evil One. And a second reminder, dear children: You know the Father from personal experience. You veterans know the One who started it all; and you newcomers—such vitality and strength! God’s word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One.” I John 2:10-14 (The Message)

It’s Thursday morning and I just visited briefly with Debi Raines as she was leaving with her adorable kids after teaching Holy Yoga. She asked, “How are the wedding plans coming along?” I said, “Now that the youth group’s winter camp is over, it’s time for me to kick into high gear and get some things done!” When she asked me how camp went, I was immediately full of emotion because of the way God had worked at the winter camp.

The week before camp, adversity was everywhere. The church bus broke down, but two days later Godprovided a kind man to fix it at no charge. We were low on male leaders for camp and last minuteregistrations were coming in quickly. Two days before camp, God provided an extra leader who was not part of our youth staff, but did such a great job and- - - ended up rededicating his life to the Lord!

If I listed everyone who had dynamic, practical, biblical messages, this would go on for some time. If I told you of the incredibly moving testimonies that were shared by leaders and one student, you would be blown away! We had no time limitations on our worship-time… kids felt free to be hyper, dance, be quiet while worshipping - whatever fit their personality type. It was great to see them enjoying their worship. Everyone had a blast tubing and playing hilarious games; some even hiked to the top of a mountain and got back at 2am.

The greatest thing though was to see God’s Spirit moving in these kids - I could see it building through the weekend. By the time we had the invitation to either ask Jesus to be the Lord of their lives, or perhaps they had made a commitment earlier and felt a need to recommit, hands shot up everywhere. Leaders met, talked with and prayed with those individuals - their questions and hearts were so open and honest. It was such an honor to witness God doing something so powerful and real in the lives of both kids and leaders.

Even in tough times, when we see adversity all around us, God is still God and He’s definitely in the midst of our youth ministry. He’s at work all around us. The dream God gave Tim and I is alive and well.

Pastor Jackie White
(The person who at age 17 shared in the dream that God gave Tim White, of attempting to build the world’s greatest caring network.)

"God's Assignment!"

2010-02-16T09:39:00.001-08:00

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

There are many things in life that I love to observe - birds being one of them. I could sit and listen to the birds sing at dawn and waste the better part of an hour. The image of birdwatchers has not always been the most macho of images, but I plead guilty- - - I like birds.I also love to observe insects. When I was a boy I would spend a whole day just watchinginsects and then would read everything I could about a species of ants or bees.

I have been accused of being like a “mother” bragging about people in our church. I am amazed at the entrepreneurs in our church that have started from scratch and built something that financially benefits their employees and our economy. I am amazed at the scientists in our church and the joy I see on their faces when they speak about their chosen area of study.I am amazed at the craftsmen in our church that rebuild cars as a pastime or maintainsailboats. I am amazed at computer programmers, mathematicians, musicians, poets, and stay at home moms. I admire people in service organizations that are the backbone of all their organization’s accomplishments. I love to talk to teachers, mechanics and electricians.I enjoy people because the Bible teaches that they are fearfully and wonderfully made—we are all created in the image of God.

I see flashes of God’s image in the dry sense of humor of a homeless man, or an act of caring by a tired nurse. I see brilliance and genius in the craft projects that children bring homeafter Sunday school or in the questions of a critic. We are all made in the image of God.

Look in the mirror and see your features and remember – you are made in the image of God!

Your “God’s image assignment” this week is to take a moment to observe people and lookfor God’s footprints. Ask someone who loves you to discuss with you the footprints of God’s image in your life.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Cathedral Commits to Two-Year Program

2010-02-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

“The Source”
Wednesday Evenings at the Cathedral
(Dinner 6 to 7pm ~ The Source 7 to 8pm)
Beginning Wednesday, February 17th

It’s difficult for all of us to realize the peak we reached as a Cathedral family last week! Perhaps only in the far future, as we look back, will we understand the significance of a 25 year impossible dream! Plus, now the complete selling/investment of our awesome bond program actually completed! Against all odds!!! It’s more than amazing!!!

And Now- - - We’re Ready!
Acts II- - - Becoming & Being

The vision God gave to our Senior and Founding Pastor is now ready for its second25 years! Sometimes we’re almost in shock as we realize what a beautiful, totallyfunctional and totally unique campus God has empowered us to build. Indeed it seems that each week we ramp up the use of our amazing complex/campus.

A church that actually thinks it can change the world is ready! Senior Pastor, Dr. Tim White has been invited to be the speaker at a national church leadership conference this week (perhaps indicating that the church world is more than fascinated with the vision of the meta church). He will return to lead the kickoff for what we are calling “Washington Cathedral Acts II!” Enter- - - Step One- - - “The Source!”

“The Source”

Key to taking the Cathedral 50 year vision to the next level will be the installation of “The Source!” A powerful evening intentionally designed to be the spiritual, teaching hub of the new meta church. It is unapologetically designed for “new Christians,” soon to be new Christians- - - emerging leaders and anyone seeking delicious, scholarlybible-study. Expect hungry, growing people from all of our meta congregations!

Just a Wonderful Wednesday Evening
6:00pm Light, Nutritious Dinner Available
7:00pm The Source
7:45pm Optional “Ask the teacher!”
8:00pm Lights Out- - - “Head for home & have a great week!”

“The Cat Peed on My Camera!”

2010-02-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

(True words spoken by a 14 year old at 6:45am.)

I know you really want to hear about the cat – and I will get to that in a moment – but first let me tell you how God appears in this situation.

Being a mom is the most challenging adventure God has set before me and I knew this from the very beginning. In fact, my firstborn child was only hours old when I realized I couldn’t do this on my own and I finally decided to make a real commitment tofollowing Jesus. This commitment has filled the past 15 years of motherhood with so much joy and laughter that even when there have been tears - there has also been peace.

So here I am now – officially in the teen age years of motherhood – and I have spiritually matured into a prayer-warrior for my kids! I say I have spiritually matured because I have learned the hard lesson of receiving a ‘no’ from God to a lot of my prayers concerning my kids. Most of my prayers ask God to ‘fix’ problems or keep my children out of tough situations. God often reminds me that there is no way for them to learn to stand on their own two feet if He doesn’t give them the opportunity to do so.

Please hang in there a few more moments – we’re almost to the cat story! My oldest son (who will be 15 years old in a few weeks) is learning to stand on his own two feet in his academic career. Looking back now, I realize I did not give him thisopportunity before he entered junior high school because I acted as his personal assistant in the area of homework. After three years of not receiving those cute weekly newsletters from his teachers (FYI for you young moms - they do not do that in junior high) math summer school was becoming a strong possibility for my child. My motherly prayers were now starting to sound like strong warnings to God that my peace was fading and if He wanted me to continue on a path of biblical parenting then He needed to step in! Well demands like that will always get you a ‘no’ from God. However, God did gently take the parenting reins for a day which changed everything.

Two weeks after my son received a camera for Christmas, that he desperately needed for his photography class, he camestorming down the hallway at 6:45 in the morning notifying me that overnight the cat peed on his favorite sweatshirt and hiscamera was in the pocket. The camera would not power up and photos for his end-of-the-semester project were on it. Oh, how the lecture on being more responsible flew that morning! We were only a month away from the end of the semester and now even more challenges were facing my child in pulling passing grades. Thankfully God showed me it was time for a ‘stand on your own two feet’ lesson – not a lecture.

After a long one-on-one discussion with my son I challenged him to come up with a plan and some goals to help him developbetter study habits. One of those goals was to start attending the MSG (math study group) at the church. I was thrilled by his goals! However, I had no idea at the time that God was setting in motion a miracle for my child. Two weeks after attending the MSG my son received his first A on a math test since entering junior high. His “I’m just hopeless in math” attitude was replaced with confidence and accomplishment. This new attitude that God pulled from deep down inside him filtered into success in all of his classes. Seeing your child stand on their own two feet might just be the greatest joy of parenting - even when it means some of my motherly prayers have to be answered as a ‘no.’

I am so grateful for the ‘yes’ that was answered by BJ Eliason when God set before him an adventure of helping teens in our church with their math challenges. I believe it wasn’t just BJ’s knowledge of math that helped my child succeed; I believe it was God working through BJ to encourage my child to reach for his best. I am grateful for all the Student Ministries leaders who help my child every week to reach for his best. With God’s guidance and the support of Washington Cathedral I believe I will be able to keep my peace through the rest of the teenage years!

A glimpse of motherhood from a grateful mom.

"A Better Way to Live!"

2010-01-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

Unless you have been in outer Siberia this past year, you have been told through a variety of media most of the following: education standards are falling, the economy is in shambles, crime is rising, our food is dangerous, predators are on the prowl in neighborhoods, our bodies are under assault from saturated fats, and we can’t trust our bankers, accountants, or politicians. There are religious fanatics on the loose and weapons of mass destruction waiting to get us.
Gas prices are rising, work seems hard to get, and on top of it all, the poisoned environment isgearing up to offer a big time payback.

Sheesch! It’s enough to make you want to pitch a tent in Siberia and wait for the freeze!

However, in our “Life Handbook” (the Bible) I read that beautiful passage about how our Father cares so wonderfully for the flowers of the field. Then, it goes on to conclude, reasonably enough that “He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matthew 6:31-33 (New Life Bible)

Later on, in Philippians 4, we are urged by Paul (writing from prison, no less!) “Don’t worry about anything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (New Life Bible)

Sounds like a lot better way to live than being a hermit in Siberia to me!

P.S. You did notice the little underlined “if,” didn’t you?

Pastor Sally Jo Holmes